Mental Health First Aid training offered

Mental Health First Aid Certification Training to be held

LITCHFIELD » The nationally recognized Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training certification program will be offered on the evenings of May 9 and 11 at EdAdvance (formerly known as Education Connection), 355 Goshen Road in Litchfield. There is no charge for this program and the public is invited to participate.

Mental Health First Aid Training is an evidence-based program designed to help prepare adults and teen leaders to recognize and address mental health problems among youth and adults of all ages. Participants for the May 9 & 11 training will select one of two models: Youth MHFA Training for those working, volunteering or interacting with youth ages 12-18; and MHFA Training, for those who interact with adults. While the material covered in each course is unique, both certification trainings are 8-hours long and both teach participants how to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses and substance use disorders, de-escalate crisis situations safely and initiate timely referrals to mental health and substance abuse resources available in the community.

MHFA and YMHFA Training are made possible through federal grant funding provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Through this grant award, EdAdvance (the Regional Education Service Center in NW Connecticut) and Mental Health Connecticut are working collaboratively to saturate the region with thousands of Mental Health First Aiders. Under the auspices of Project AWARE, Mental Health First Aiders will be better prepared to understand the prevalence of various mental health disorders and reduce the stigma of mental health challenges in their communities.

MHFA and YMHFA Trainings are designed for persons who do not already have advanced education or training in mental health or behavioral health professions. Individuals from all educational and professional backgrounds are welcome.

Coaches, teachers, youth group leaders, scout leaders, parent volunteers, faith-based communities, police officers, camp counselors, nurses, college students and medical first responders are among the thousands already trained across the country. Additionally, student leaders in grades 11-12 are eligible for certification.

Participants must attend all 8 hours of training in order to receive certification. First Aiders will receive a comprehensive guidebook developed to provide easy access to mental health information. Training on May 9 and 11 will be held both evenings from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Participants may bring dinner. Beverages and light refreshments will be served.

Space is limited and registration is required.

Those interested in Youth MHFA should register by contacting Amanda DelVicario at EdAdvance at (860) 567-0863 or YMHFA@edadvance.org

Those interested in MHFA training may contact Valerie English Cooper at Mental Health CT at 860-471-6715 or VEnglishCooper@mhconn.orgor register online through Mental Health Connecticut at http://www.mhconn.org/education/mental-health-firstaid.

Theater offers arts education programs

TORRINGTON » Each summer, the Warner Theatre Center For Arts Education offers three exciting opportunities for arts education and enrichment for young people ages 5-16, through the Summer Arts Program.

Children can learn all about the ins and outs of theatre and have a chance to perform in a summer production. Sessions are offered to ages 5-16 and begin on July 10.

Session 1 (ages 7-12) Students rehearse daily over the course of two weeks to put together a production of the delightful musical based on the children’s story, ‘A Year With Frog And Toad Kids!’ in the Warner Studio Theatre.

Session 2 (ages 7-12) Each camp day is chock-full of artistic expression: Acting, Improvisation, Dance, Music, Visual Art, Creative Writing, Crafts, Tech Theatre, and more! Plus a field trip to Lake Compounce theme park! An informal “Share Day” for family and friends wraps up this fun-filled session!

Session 3 (ages 9-16) A whirlwind two-week theatrical adventure for our older campers as we conduct intensive rehearsals brimming with music, acting, and choreography, culminating in a full-scale production of the award-winning smash musical, ‘SHREK JR.’ in the Warner Studio Theatre! Get in on the fun today!

For more information or to register, call the WTCAE at 860-489-7180 x 148 or visit warnertheatre.org.

The Summer Arts Program is sponsored by XL Catlin, Lake Compounce and All Star Transportation.