Mental Health First Aid
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About the Program

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a program originally developed in Australia, implemented by countries throughout the world and brought to Canada through the efforts of mental health professionals in Alberta. The program is currently being managed nationally by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Essentially, it acts like traditional first aid in that people are trained to recognize and react to the signs of someone in distress, but targets anxiety, depression, etc.

Pilot Project

MindCare has sponsored one of a handful of certified instructors in New Brunswick.

Our goal is to train middle and high school teachers to recognize the signs of depression and anxiety amongst their students – instead of seeing these illnesses as behavioural problems.

Teachers in School Districts 6 (primarily the Kennebecasis Valley) and 8 (Saint John) were identified as the first trainees based on the funding of this pilot project. Our long-term goal would be to establish lasting partnerships with key stakeholders and extend this vital training to all districts and areas of New Brunswick.

In 2008-2009, we raised funds to begin the pilot project with the help of The Friars Family (a local family who hold a benefit concert each December and in 2008, MindCare was the beneficiary of the funds raised from this event, to be directed to MHFA), RBC and CIBC.

Working in conjunction with the districts, we trained the first groups of teachers (60) in the fall of 2010 and the winter of 2011. We continue to work with the districts to ensure MHFA becomes part of the professional development calendar for teachers.

Feedback from our first participants

"Informative – relevant to all educators." – Teacher from District 6

"I really loved it. It is useful for my roles as a teacher and as a person." – Teacher from District 6

"Best PD ever!! Harold Stevens was amazing (the instructor MindCare sponsored)." – Teacher from District 8

"This is the most useful PD I have had. All teachers/educators must be educated in Mental Heath First Aid!" – Teacher from District 8

What’s Next

The possibilities are endless of who could and should benefit from this training. Just as everyone should be trained in first aid, everyone should be trained in Mental Health First Aid – to assist both adults and children in need.

The MindCare Commitee will consider providing funding for MHFA sessions for qualifying groups. Please fill out application and submit to the committee for consideration.

If you are interested in learning more about this training or sponsoring the program please contact:

Dianna MacDonald
MindCare NB

506.648.6296
Dianna.MacDonald@horizonnb.ca 

To learn more about the program and how to become an instructor, visit: www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca