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St. John’s Ambulance Mental Health First Aid Course

Posted in: Mental Health,Safety,Workplace Wellness | Posted by Rebecca Ingram on February 17, 2017

Continuing the Conversation

In case you missed it, Bell Let’s Talk day 2017 set new all-time records with unprecedented social media participation in Canada’s national conversation about mental health. An impressive 131,705,010 Bell Let’s Talk interactions through calls, texts, tweets, posts and views raised more than $6.5 million in funding for Canadian mental health programs, research and initiatives.

Leading up to Bell Let’s Talk day, Bell announced support for a number of new projects including funding for St. John Ambulance to develop and incorporate a mental health module in their standard and emergency first aid courses. As a result, St. John Ambulance now offers a Mental Health First Aid course.

The course was developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada to teach participants how to assist people showing signs of mental health problems or people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The course does not train individuals to be therapists, counselors or mental health professionals however, it does include:

  • Descriptions of mental health, mental illness and mental health problems
  • Signs and symptoms of common mental health problems and crisis situations
  • Information about effective interventions and treatments
  • How to access professional help

With the ever increasing focus on mental health and mental health issues, not only in general but specifically in the workplace, it only makes sense to include some First Aid training on the subject be included in any organization’s Health & Safety management system. A significant portion of our waking hours in a week are spent in the workplace and this is often the first place where the signs that someone is struggling are noticed. The education, awareness, understanding and support provided by a recognized training program makes early intervention possible and this can be critical in helping someone dealing with mental health issues.

In order to make a positive change in the attitudes and stigma surrounding mental health, we must continue the conversation that Bell Let’s Talk Day began in 2010. That conversation includes creating a safe, supportive and accepting environment in every workplace and a first aid course is a practical first step.

If you would like additional information regarding the programs offered by St. John’s Ambulance or you are interested in a preferred rate available on some of their courses, contact us directly, during business hours, using our chat feature, by phone at 1-844-377-9545, by email via [email protected], or can always connect with us on Facebook ,Twitter , or LinkedIn.

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