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MHFA Veteran Community (Virtual)

MHFA for the Veteran Community is tailored to address the needs of Veterans and the people who care for, and about, them such as veterans themselves, former RCMP members, family members, friends, relatives, health professionals, providers of Veteran services, volunteers, and other caring community members.

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Studies of the mental health of Canadian Veterans show that, although the majority were doing well, a number experience mental health problems that affect their functioning, wellbeing, and utilization of health and rehabilitation services.

The MHFA Veteran Community course was developed through: funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs; input from a number of stakeholders including veterans, veterans organizations and Veterans Affairs Canada; and, pilot testing. Its goal is to improve our collective capacity to recognize and assist with addictions, as well as mental health problems and illnesses, by supporting Veterans in the application of evidence-based practices in service delivery, the workplace and personal interactions.

MHFA for the Veteran Community is tailored to address the needs of Veterans and the people who care for, and about, them. Participants will vary, but all will have some connection to the Veteran community, such as: Veterans themselves, former RCMP members, family members, friends, relatives, health professionals, providers of Veteran services, volunteers and other caring community members.

The course is being funded by Veterans Affairs Canada and is offered at no cost to members of the Veteran community.

Course Objectives

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the support provided to a person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis.

Course participants will learn how to recognize signs that a person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis and encourage that person to:

  • Talk about declines in 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
  • Use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental well-being

Topics

Module 1: Self-Directed

  • Introduction to the course
  • Introduction to MHFA actions

Module 2: Virtual Classroom

  • Practice applying MHFA actions to situations of declining mental well-being
  • Guidelines for MHFA conversations with people from diverse cultures and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community

Module 3 Virtual Classroom

  • Discussion on using MHFA actions for self-care
  • Practice using MHFA actions in crisis situations

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Method of Instruction

This 10-hour course opens with a self-directed module (Module 1) that focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practice throughout the virtual classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3). Course participants are required to complete Module 1 before participating in Module 2 and 3.

Upon registration, participants will receive the “MHFA Participant Reference Guide” that outlines MHFA actions for developing mental health and substance use problems, and mental health and substance use crises.

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