Summary

This course was developed with input from educators, caregivers, and mental health experts to meet the unique needs of youth aged 12-24. It offers practical tools to help adults recognize when a young person may be struggling and provides guidance on how to offer meaningful support. By focusing on the challenges and pressures faced by youth today, the program empowers participants to foster understanding, build trust and promote resilience in the young people they care for.

Course participants will learn how to:

recognize signs that a young person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or who might be in a mental health or substance use crisis
have conversations that encourage a young person to - talk about their mental well-being - discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being - reach out to these supports
assist in a mental health or substance use crisis situation
check in with one’s own mental well-being and take action as needed

Topics

Module 1: Introduction to MHFA

Introduction to MHFA Actions - ALGEES
The role of a first aider
Key knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours
Impact of stigma on mental well-being
The range of changes that may indicate a decline in mental well-being
Risk factors and protective factors that influence mental well-being
Activity: Use the information in this module to create a Persona of a young person you are likely to encounter

Module 2: MHFA for Declining Mental Well-Being

Review of Module 1
Assessing the situation
Communicating respectfully (includes communicating with people from diverse cultures and with members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community)
Case Studies
Review Activity: Use what you have learned to support the Persona created in Module 1

Module 3: MHFA for Mental Health and Substance Use Crisis Situations

Responding to the possible challenges
Recognizing possible signs of crisis
MHFA actions in a crisis
Case Studies
Using MHFA actions (ALGEES) for your own self-care

Length

10 hours

Target Audience

Health Professionals, Educators, Family Members, Guardians, Social Workers, Community Organizations, Coaches and Support Personnel/Youth Workers.

MHFA - Supporting Youth