MHFA Canada is revamping the facilitator training; during this period, we will continue to offer the MHFA Basic Facilitator training until December 2022 in parallel with our new Facilitator Certification Training (FCT). The FCT will only be available virtually at this time.
Over 800 Canadians are active MHFA Basic/Standard facilitators. They are:
As an MHFA Basic/Standard course facilitator you:
The MHCC Facilitator Certification Training (FCT) is designed to familiarize participants with the unique requirements of facilitating the MHCC’s MHFA courses and help adjust their current practices to address these. Upon completion of this FCT, you will be able to deliver virtually the MHFA Standard course.
The goals of the FCT are to:
The FCT is a blended program consisting of five sessions identified in the table below. Each session addresses one of the five key skills required of MHCC facilitators. These skills are addressed through group discussions, practical exercises, and practice sessions. Participants receive feedback and coaching along the way in preparation for the final assessment, which includes:
Practical Assessment: An assessment of facilitation skills whereby participants facilitate a topic from the MHFA course
Written Assessment: A knowledge check of the key concepts and strategies presented in the FCT
| Day | Session | Requiremeents | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-paced, online | 1: Prepare to facilitate | This opening to the FCT must be completed prior to “MHFA Course Demonstration – Module 1.” | 2 hours |
| Self-paced, online | MHFA Course Demonstration – Module 1 (self-paced) | This opening module to the MHFA course must be completed before attending “Day 1 - Virtual classroom.” | 1-2 hours |
| Day 1 – Virtual classroom | MHFA Course Demonstration – Module 2-3 (virtual classrooms) | Participate in a demonstration of the MHFA virtual classroom modules | 7.5 hours |
| Day 2 – Virtual classroom | 2: Create a welcoming and safe learning environment | Participate in a virtual classroom | 7.5 hours |
| Day 3 – Virtual classroom | 3: Engage participants and foster learning | Participate in a virtual classroom | 7.5 hours |
| Day 4 – Virtual classroom | 4: Assess learning and give and receive feedback | Day 2 – Virtual classroom | 7.5 hours |
| Day 5 – Virtual classroom | Practical Assessment | Facilitate an MHFA topic and observe others facilitate a topic | 6 hours |
| Day 6 - webinar | 5: Adhere to logistical and administrative requirements and closing of FCT. | Participate in a virtual classroom | 1.5 hours |
| Self-paced, online | Written assessment | Complete after the “Day 6 - Virtual classroom” and a successful practical assessment | .5 hours |
Those interested in participating in the FCT program are required to go through a selection process. This process includes a written application. Applicants submit their application outlining (1) why they are interested in becoming an MHCC facilitator and (2) their credentials with the selection criteria (outlined below).
Along with the application form, you will need to provide your resume and a letter of support from your organization or two reference letters if applying as an independent/self-employed facilitator.
Minimum requirements for participating in the FCT for MHFA courses:
An MHFA Master Trainer is responsible for guiding candidates through their weeklong course to become an MHFA facilitator. Master Trainers demonstrate effective course delivery, assign sections of the course to be delivered by candidates, and provide constructive feedback and assessment of their performance. Ultimately, the Master Trainer determines whether a candidate has the proficiency required to be an effective MHFA facilitator.
Our Master Trainers have varied life experiences, and each has a base of knowledge and awareness of mental health that makes them valuable and impactful mentors through the MHFA facilitator training course.
The cost of the MHFA Standard FCT is $3,250 (plus applicable taxes). This includes access to the learning management system for the pre-work, the five-day training, and the day 6 webinar, a Facilitator Resource Kit, and after training support from MHFA Canada, namely:
Course fees are paid by credit card upon successful review of the application.
A fee of $500 is charged for cancellations received four weeks in advance of the course date. fee of $1,000 is charged for cancellations received less than four weeks in advance. No refund will be made if notice is received after the course date, or the registrant does not show for the course (including pre-course work).
MHFA facilitators must adhere to all clauses listed in the MHFA Facilitator Agreement. This includes:
