Mental health first aid course in two locations

A mental health first aid course is coming to P.E.I. to give people the tools to feel more comfortable when it comes to talking about mental health.

The mental health first aid course is a Mental Health Commission of Canada initiative being offered by St. John Ambulance N.S./P.E.I.

The courses are in Charlottetown, Oct. 21-22, and in Summerside Nov. 3-4.

Diana Parks, director of learning for St John Ambulance N.S/ P.E.I. council, said the course provides participants with some knowledge about mental health so they can help friends, colleagues or family members who may be showing signs of a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. It also gives people the tools to have a dialogue and direct people to the appropriate resources.

“I think people feel the stigma, and they don’t go get help,”

said Parks. “If we can guide people in that first bit of help, and if we can give them some language around mental health to help people in general feel more comfortable, those with mental health issues will keep talking and will seek help.”

The first day of the course will cover mental health issues and disorders, and the second will focus on group activities and listening skills.

Parks says the first mental health first aid course was held in August with about nine participates in P.E.I.

“The response was very positive,” said Parks.