What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental health first aid gives you the practical skills to recognize signs of mental health distress and provide immediate support until professional help is available.
Most of us are familiar with CPR and know what to do in a cardiac emergency. But what about a mental health crisis? With stress and uncertainty affecting our community more than ever, knowing how to respond can make a vital difference.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Courses are developed by Opening Minds/Mental Health Commission of Canada. The AFC offers the MHFA Essentials Courses and the MHFA Certification Course (available only for private group bookings).
Who Needs Mental Health First Aid Training?
Everyone! The AFC’s Mental Health First Aid courses are designed for anyone working in Canada’s performing arts and entertainment industry. Our goal is to help ensure every workplace has someone trained in MHFA and to empower more people to feel confident supporting colleagues, friends, and community members who may be experiencing mental health challenges.
MHFA Certification Course
This innovative, in-depth course provides participants with a nationally recognized MHFA Certification valid for 3 years.
You will learn how to:
- Distinguish between mental health, mental illness, and mental health conditions.
- Recognize indicators of mental health across the continuum (optimal, declining, poor).
- Understand key information about mental health disorders in Canada.
- Identify factors influencing mental health positively and negatively.
- Explain the Two Continua Model of mental health.
Course Details
The 2-day format of the MHFA Certification course provides robust, scenario-based training on the identification and support of declining mental health and crises and a deeper understanding of mental health disorders and influences.
Course Logistics
- Format: Fully facilitated course, offered virtually or in person
- Length: 14 hours, including breaks, over 2 days
Accessibility
Closed captions and translated captions are enabled. If you require additional accommodations, please contact us in advance — we’ll do our best to meet your needs.
How to Book
This course is currently available only for private group bookings. Please contact Cindy Rivers at cindy@afchelps.ca to inquire about course fees and to book the training for your team.
If cost is a barrier, do not hesitate to ask about subsidized training options. We’re committed to making this training accessible to everyone.
The AFC gratefully acknowledges the support of the J & W Murphy Foundation for our Mental Health First Aid Training initiatives.