Community Education & Workplace Workshops

Talking about mental health can be challenging but reducing the stigma through education and awareness can help.  Mental health is an essential part of our overall health. We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. It’s a state of well-being in which we realize our own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work and study productively and are able to make a contribution to our families and communities.

This is also true of our family, friends, co-workers and employees.

We know the total cost from mental health problems to the Canadian economy exceeds $50 billion annually and for every $1 invested in workplace mental health, the median yearly return is $1.62. More than 500,000 Canadian employees per week are unable to work due to mental health problems. Talking about mental health at work, becoming more aware of the signs of mental illnesses, and learning how to reach out an offer assistance, can help.  Our workshops are suitable for employees, leaders and supervisors. They build skills to respond when a co-worker or employee is showing signs of declining mental well being or mental illness.

All workshops are highly interactive, with activities and discussion throughout. They often include experiences of people who work and live with mental illness, either live or through video. Participants leave the workshops with the awareness to recognize signs of mental illness and the skills to address them. These workshops are available for delivery across Northern BC both virtually and in-person by our certified trainers. Our trainers are willing to, and do, travel and facilitate our workshops through out Northern BC. If you or your organization is located in Northern BC, and looking for quality training, please email and inquire as we may be able to assist with travel expenses.

We offer a range of workshops for the general public, government, community organizations, and businesses on a fee for service basis.

Many can be tailored to your specific needs.  The length of the workshop can vary usually they are between 1 – 4 hours.  All workshops are engaging and interactive.

Topics for customized workshops include but are not limited to:

• Understanding Mental Health
• Mental Health at Work
• Stress Management
• Conflict Management
• Resilience / Duct Tape is Not Enough
• Understanding Trauma and Self Care
• Importance of Good Mental Health in the Workplace
• Safe and Sound Building a Mentally Healthy Workplace
• Responding to Crisis at Work: De-escalation Training

Services include:

• Conference sessional or keynote speaking
• Staff training
• Lunch & Learn

We also offer training that is not customized.  These training’s have the same agenda each time regardless of the group.  Please continue to scroll down to look for detailed descriptions.  For upcoming dates, see the events page or contact the Manager of Education and Projects, Shirley Hogan at Shirleyhogan@cmhanorthernbc.ca

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is a training course provided throughout the country, where participants learn how to provide initial help and support  to people who are showing signs of a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

Basic Version – In-person is a 12 hour training course with the following topics:

• Mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Psychosis
• Substance use disorders

Standard Version – Virtual is 9 hour training course:

This 9-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.

Living Works Suicide and Intervention Courses

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training ASIST – In-person

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is for everyone 16 or older, regardless of prior experience, who wants to be able to provide suicide first aid. Shown by major studies to significantly reduce suicidality, the ASIST model teaches effective intervention skills while helping to build suicide prevention networks in the community.

Virtually anyone age 16 or older, regardless of prior experience or training, can become an ASIST-trained caregiver. Developed in 1983 and regularly updated to reflect improvements in knowledge and practice, ASIST is the world’s leading suicide intervention workshop. During the two-day interactive session, participants learn to intervene and help prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Over 1,000,000 people have taken the workshop, and studies have proven that the ASIST method helps reduce suicidal feelings for those at risk.

Workshop features:

• Presentations and guidance from two LivingWorks registered trainers
• A scientifically proven intervention model
• Powerful audiovisual learning aids
• Group discussions
• Skills practice and development
• A balance of challenge and safety

SafeTALK – In person

SafeTALK is a half-day alertness training that prepares anyone over the age of 15, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper. Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. safeTALK-trained helpers can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources, such as caregivers trained in ASIST.

Responding with Respect | CMHA Northern BC

Workplace Mental Health Skills for Managers

Creating a mentally healthy and safe workplace

Responding with Respect: Workplace Mental Health Skills for Managers is a highly effective workshop designed to reduce the negative impact of mental health problems in the workplace. One in three Canadians will experience a mental health or substance use disorder in their lifetime,¹ while others will experience challenges that don’t meet the threshold for a diagnosed illness. Both these realities can impact an employee’s wellness and performance. This workshop has been designed specifically for managers and supervisors to build on their knowledge and skills to support an employee when they are struggling with what may be a mental health challenge, or with a situation that is affecting their mental health. You don’t need to become a mental health expert to support your teams. This skill-building workshop is highly interactive, focusing on how to have a respectful conversation using the 4R Action Toolkit® and includes relevant case scenarios, and a variety of activities and discussions to ensure engagement.

Before the ‘duty to accommodate’ comes the ‘duty to inquire.’ We can help.

Responding with Respect: Workplace Mental Health Skills for Managers teaches the 4R Action Toolkit® which applies a trauma-informed approach and equips managers with the skills to recognize, respond, resource and reconnect with an employee who is struggling. Using the 4Rs to determine why an employee is not themselves is the most respectful and compassionate way to fulfill your duty to inquire. The workshop is developed and delivered by facilitators with management experience and subject matter expertise.

A powerful workshop designed to help build strong teams

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has been the leading advocate for mental health for over 100 years. Our goal in developing this education is to intervene earlier in the workplace in order to reverse the pattern that is leaving over 500,000 Canadian employees per week unable to work due to poor mental health.² This informative and interactive workshop has been designed to deliver a marked improvement in supervisor confidence, with direct impacts on employee morale. Research shows that for every $1 invested in workplace mental health, the median yearly return is $1.62.² Contact us today to find out why CMHA is the trusted source for workplace training that can also help you implement the CSA National Standard on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.

What you will learn

1. The impact of mental health problems in the workplace
2. The benefits of early intervention and external supports
3. How to effectively counteract stigmas associated with mental health problems in the workplace
4. How to use the 4R Action Toolkit® as a model for approaching and supporting employees respectfully and with compassion
5. How to practice a ‘trauma-informed’ approach in communication
6. Self-care strategies to support your own well-being

4R Action Toolkit® is a registered trademark of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Offered as both full and half days

Full day: 7-hour workshop delivered as a 7-hour session in person or virtually over 3 separate sessions.

Half day: 4-hour workshop delivered as a 4-hour session or 2 virtual sessions.

In person: up to 24 participants
Virtual: up to 15 participants

Resilient Minds® – Building the Psychological Strength of Community Workers

An evidence-based trauma- and violence-informed course that aims to strengthen the psychological well-being of individuals working in potentially distressing environments.

Course Goal

To build the psychological strength of and protect the well-being of individuals working on the frontline in potentially distressing environments.

Building the Psychological Strength of Community Workers: An evidence-based course, using a trauma- and violence-informed communication model – The 4R Action Toolkit®.

Participants will build knowledge and skills to:

• Be prepared and proactive at all stages of stress.
• Recognize effects of stress/distress in self, peers, and clients.
• Use case scenarios to practice the 4R Action Toolkit® to communicate with co-workers who may be struggling and with clients/members/citizens who may be in distress.
• Identify personal proactive and responsive strategies for resilience.

This course is developed and delivered by certified CMHA facilitators to a variety of employees within the following types of organizations:

• Outreach services
• Housing
• Community centres
• Food centres
• Social services
• Immigrant & settlement services
• Shelters
• Resource centres
• Transition houses
• Advocacy
• Employment services
• Transit services
• Bylaw services
• Civic services
• Court services
• Security services
• Crisis services
• Libraries
• Community Health
• Harm reduction
• Peer support
• Indigenous wellness
• Recovery services

100% of participants in the Resilient Minds® for Community Workers pilots agreed or strongly agreed that:

• The curriculum is relevant to their experiences as Community Workers.
• The curriculum was appropriate for many cultures.
• The workshop is valuable for Community Workers.
• They plan to use the information and skills personally and professionally.
• They have benefited from this course.

Length: 7-hour workshop; delivered in-person (1-2 days)

Maximum number of participants: 24 In-person

Includes: A comprehensive Participant Workbook

Burnout, Fatigue and Distress: Advancing Resilience Training:

Adapted from Resilient Minds® Building the Psychological Strength of Fire Fighters, this training focuses on advancing employees’ resilience. Participants explore the brain on stress and the potential repercussions of unmitigated prolonged stress: compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, moral distress, and burnout. A practical, personalized Resiliency Process tool is used to build strategies to mitigate stress impacts and sustain and maintain well-being. (4R Action Toolkit® not used in this course)

This workshop is suited for employees at all levels of an organization working in high work volume, deadline-driven positions with a predominantly high demand low control ratio.

Participants will increase the ability to: 

• Recognize the effects of psychological stress.
• Appreciate the importance of self-awareness.
• Develop strategies for mitigating trauma and boosting resilience.

Length: 4-hour workshop; delivered in-person (1
day) or virtual (2 consecutive days)

Maximum number of participants: 24 In-person; 15 Virtual

The Working Mind

What can The Working Mind provide for your organization?

• Mental Health Literacy: Understand the nuances of mental health and illness, recognizing early signs in yourself and others. 
• Communication Skills:  Develop a common language to support conversations about Mental Health between colleagues and within teams.
• Stigma Reduction: Our evidence-based programs are proven to combat stigma and cultivate a supportive atmosphere for those facing mental health challenges.
• Results Driven: Psychological health incidents are the number one cause of disability leave in Canada. The Working Mind is proven to increase resiliency and create a healthier, more productive workplace.

 The Working Mind is structured into four interactive modules, each blending videos, case studies, and practical exercises for an engaging learning experience.

• Module 1: Mental Health and Stigma – Explore mental health concepts and the effects of stigma.
• Module 2: The Mental Health Continuum – Use a specialized tool to monitor mental health and foster open discussions.
• Module 3: Stress & Resilience – Delve into stress management and resilience-building strategies.
• Module 4 (Managers Only): Supporting Your Team – Focus on strategies for managers to support their team’s mental well-being.

Structured Learning for Comprehensive Understanding

• Sequential Modules: Each module builds upon the previous, offering a coherent and cumulative learning experience.
• Flexible Scheduling: Conducted in a single session or across multiple sessions within a two-week period.
• Targeted Groups: Separate tracks for employees and managers, catering to specific needs and roles.

The Mental Health Continuum; is a dynamic model that visualizes mental health across a spectrum, ranging from healthy & adaptive to severe symptoms of mental distress, highlighting the fluid nature of mental health and the potential for movement in either direction.

The Working Mind is also available in tailored formats with scenarios, testimonials and real-life stories tailored to specific industries. 

TO REGISTER:

Please contact Shirley Hogan, Manager of Education and Projects at shirleyhogan@cmhanorthernbc.ca or call 250.564.8644 loc 210 for more information or if you are interested in hosting a workshop. Our certified trainers are also available for speaking events, custom workshops and to help you plan and implement your workplace mental health strategy. Contact us to learn more!