Talking about mental health at work can be challenging but reducing the stigma through education and awareness can help. We all have mental health, just as we wll have physical health. 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. Becoming more aware of the signs of mental illnesses, and learning how to reach out an offer assistance can help.
We offer training both in person and virtually. 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 supportively address them.These workshops are available for delivery across Northern BC both virtually and in-person by our certified trainers.
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 – 14 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
Services include:
Conference sessional or keynote speaking
Staff training
Lunch & Learn
We also offer:
Mental Health First Aid both in person and virtual
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.
MHFA Standard In person – 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 classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3). Course participants are required to complete Module 1 prior to commencing Modules 2 and 3. Modules 2 and 3 are 3.5 hours long and can be facilitated in one day or over two days
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.
Basic Version – In-person is a 12 hour training course with the following topics:
Mood disorders
Anxiety disorders
Psychosis
Substance use disorders
Participants choosing the Basic version will attend the entire training in person. This training is completed over 2 days.
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 (2 hours) before participating in Module 2 and 3 (3.5 hours completed in one day or over two days)
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.
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: 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 em
ployee’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
The impact of mental health problems in the workplace
The benefits of early intervention and external supports
How to effectively counteract stigmas associated with mental health problems in the workplace
How to use the 4R Action Toolkit® as a model for approaching and supporting employees respectfully and with compassion
How to practice a ‘trauma-informed’ approach in communication
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
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!
