MHFA Essentials (1 Day)

Acknowledgements

The MHCC-Opening Minds Program appreciates the guidance, support, and expertise of everyone who contributed to the design, development, and implementation of this course. It was designed in collaboration with an advisory group of mental health specialists, lead facilitators, and people with lived and living experience of mental health and substance use problems. 

Course Overview 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) provides the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for participants to recognize changes in mental health, respond supportively, and apply practical actions for declining mental health and crisis situations. It helps participants build confidence, reduce stigma, and enhance their own mental health. 

Objectives 

The MHFA course helps participants: 

• Increase their awareness of mental health

  • Distinguish between mental health, mental illness, and mental health conditions.

  •  Recognize indicators of mental health across the continuum (optimal, declining, poor). 

• Improve their confidence to provide help o Apply the ALGES framework in scenarios of declining mental health and crisis.

  •  Demonstrate empathy and effective listening skills in supportive interactions.

  •  Communicate non-judgmentally using verbal and non-verbal skills. 

  • Provide reassurance and appropriate information in supportive conversations.

  •  Explain recovery-oriented approaches to providing support. 

• Decrease their mental health-related stigma 

  • Recognize stigmatizing language and practice respectful alternatives. 

  • Reflect on personal attitudes and biases that contribute to stigma. 

  • Understand risks and limitations associated with diagnostic labeling.

•  Enhance their mental health 

  • Identify personal self-care strategies using the Three Pillars of Self-Care: reflective, purposeful, and boundaries.

  • Recognize when self-care is needed as a Mental Health First Aiders and how to integrate it into daily life. 

  • Commit to intentional self-care actions to maintain personal well-being as a Mental Health First Aider. 

Course Structure 

This course flows through eight sections. 

1. Welcome and Introductions 

Participants set the stage by establishing group norms and guidelines for a safe, inclusive learning environment. They share initial expectations and perceived challenges to foster engagement throughout the course. 

2. Goals of Mental Health First Aid 

The overall goals and outcomes of the MHFA course are presented. Learners clarify the purpose and responsibilities associated with being a Mental Health First Aider. By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Clarify the course objectives and the role of a Mental Health First Aider. 

3. What is Mental Health? 

This module introduces definitions of mental health, describes the experiences of people living with mental health disorders, and the risks of labelling. Participants explore the Mental Health Continuum, recognizing the complexity and variability of mental health. 

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Define mental health. 

• Appreciate what support looks like to someone living with a mental health condition. 

• Discuss risks and limitations associated with diagnostic labelling. 

• Explain the mental health continuum model. 

4. Elements of ALGES 

Through interactive learning, learners familiarize themselves with the ALGES framework and gain clarity on each action to respond to a person experiencing mental health decline. The structured approach prepares participants for supportive interactions. 

By the end of this module, learners will be able to: 

• Explain each action of the ALGES framework clearly. 

• Identify indicators of declining mental health. 

• Demonstrate empathy. 

• Effectively give reassurance. 

• Handle challenges related to seeking mental health support. 

• Understand the importance of a recovery orientation. 

• Practice using respectful language. 

5. Mental Health First Aid for Declining Mental Health 

Through scenario-based activities, learners apply ALGES to situations involving declining mental health. They enhance skills in effective questioning, empathetic listening, and connecting individuals with resources, guided by recovery-oriented principles. 

By the end of this module, learners will be able to: 

• Apply ALGES to declining mental health scenarios. 

• Challenge their assumptions about individuals needing support. 

• Demonstrate effective questioning and non-judgmental communication. 

• Provide empathetic reassurance, information, and connection to resources.

•  Integrate a recovery orientation in providing support. 

6. Self-Care for Mental Health First Aiders 

This short module highlights the importance of self-care practices for maintaining personal mental health while supporting others. Participants develop an understanding of the definition of self-care. By the end of this module, learners will be able to: 

• Develop an understanding of the definition of self-care. 

7. MHFA for Mental Health Crisis Situations

Participants learn to recognize and respond effectively to the crisis situation of suicidal behaviour by applying ALGES appropriately. 

By the end of this module, learners will be able to: 

• Recognize warning signs of suicide and respond effectively. 

• Effectively apply ALGES to crisis situations.

 8. Wrap-up and Closing 

Participants review key course learnings and identify actionable next steps. They commit to enhancing personal well-being beyond the course. 

By the end of this module, learners will be able to: 

• Commit to self-care activities. 

• Reflect on overall learning outcomes and their application. 

• Identify next steps for ongoing mental health support and self-care. 

Delivery Requirements

• The course modules are delivered in sequential order, as each module builds on learning from the previous module.

• Participant may take the course virtually or in person. 

• Participants must complete all the modules in the same delivery format with the same group/cohort. 

• The course is six (6) hours in duration and may be delivered: 

  • On the same day, with breaks between modules 

  • On two half-days within two weeks, at three hours per half day, with breaks between modules 

• To receive a certificate of completion: 

  • Participants must complete a full course.

Participant Materials

Handout 

The participant handout assists the participants throughout the course. Received at the beginning, the handout is an integral part of the learning experience and is referred to throughout the course. The handout includes:

• Definitions of key terms and concepts

• Visual description of key information

• Learning scenarios and discussion questions 

• Space to take notes during individual reflection and group discussions 

Resource Hub 

Opening Minds maintains an online resource hub with a comprehensive list of resources and support services for mental health and well-being. The English and French links to the resource hub are: 

• r.openingminds.org

•  r.changerlesmentalites.org 

These can be accessed at any time and are included in the course handout that each participant receives.