MHFA: Veteran Community
Support Veterans wellness
Equip yourself to support veterans with compassion and understanding.
Created in partnership with veterans, this course was designed to address the unique mental health needs of the veteran community. It offers practical tools and skills to recognize when someone may be struggling and provides guidance on how to offer meaningful support. The program fosters a safe and understanding space, where participants can connect through shared experiences.
Who is it for? Veterans, the veteran support community & families
Mental Health First Aid – Veterans is the support provided to a person in the Veteran community who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis
As a Mental Health First Aider, you will learn:
Recognize signs
that a young person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health or substance use crisis
Discuss Support
Discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being
Initiate Conversations
that encourage a young person to talk about a mental health or substance use problem
Assist
In a mental health or substance use crisis situation
Course structured for impact
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.
Module 1
Self-Directed (2 Hours):
Introduction to MHFA
• Introduction to MHFA Actions – ALGEES
• The role of a first aider
Module 2
Live Classroom (4 hours):
• 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
Live Classroom (4 hours):
• Discussion on using MHFA actions for self-care
• Practice using MHFA actions in crisis situations
Learn how to use ALGES
ALGES is a simple, and essential Action Plan that helps a Mental Health First Aider provide support until professional help is available.
- Approach the person, assess, and assist with any cris
- Listen and communicate non-judgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage the person to reach out to supports
- Self-care for the first aider
Flexible learning options to meet your needs
- Virtual Classes: Facilitated on-line session for 8 to 15 participants
- In-Person Classes: Facilitated session for 8 to 25 participants
Mental Health First Aid Training Options
When training reflects real experiences from a community, the impact becomes even more meaningful. In addition to MHFA Veterans, we offer a suite of tailored MHFA courses.
Become a Certified MHFA Facilitator
The Facilitator Certification Training is designed for people who want to offer the MHFA course in the communities, workplaces or organizations. As a Certified MHFA facilitator you will join the Opening Minds Facilitator Community that is over 1000 people strong across Canada.
Mental Health First Aid Case Studies
Learn more about how MHFA is helping to transform mental wellness in organizations across Canada.
