We would like to thank all the participants who attended our two-part Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training on March 24th and April 7th in Shawville. We’d like to extend a special note of gratitude to Mavis Brownlee of St. Paul’s Anglican Church and MNA for Pontiac, André Fortin, who partnered to make this training possible.
Big thanks also to Social Worker Hilary Jocelyn, an experienced MHFA trainer for the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s MHFA program, who presented the very informative and empowering training session.  Hilary guided the group to better understand and support those with a mental illness. Participants obtained a certificate as “Mental Health First Aiders.”
With the help of interactive activities including role playing and case studies, plus videos, the comprehensive MHFA training manual and lots of questions from participants, attendees gained confidence and specific skills to engage someone with an emerging mental health problem or in a crisis. The training successfully provided greater recognition of mental health problems, and decreased stigma. There was also a fun and engaging emphasis on improving mental health for those who are supporting individuals with mental health problems.
Resources Shared:
- Mental Health Resources List for Pontiac
- You are listening to me when…/ You are not listening to me when…Â List from the Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Information about MHFA and its application in various settings, including the workplace: Mental Health Commission of Canada
