Certificate Programs

ASIST is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first-aid.

Participants learn to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. Suicide can impact anyone at anytime. Not only is this training appropriate for service providers, teachers, youth workers, emergency workers, counsellors, faith leaders, and volunteers, but also supervisors, co-workers, community members, family and friends.  Participants do not need formal training to attend the workshop – ASIST can be learned and used by anyone.

ASIST participants will learn to:

• Understand the ways personal and societal attitudes affect views on suicide and interventions
• Provide guidance and suicide first-aid to a person at risk in ways that meet their individual safety needs
• Identify the key elements of an effective suicide safety plan and the actions required to implement it
• Appreciate the value of improving and integrating suicide prevention resources in the community at large
• Recognize other important aspects of suicide prevention including life-promotion and self-care

safeTALK is half-day, evidence-based suicide-alertness workshop that prepares anyone 15 years of age and older to become a suicide-alert helper. safeTALK is like suicide first aid. Participants need no previous experience or training in order to become more ready, willing and able to be suicide prevention helpers.

safeTALK-trained helpers can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting a person at risk with life-saving intervention resources.

safeTALK participants will learn to:

• Notice and respond to situations where suicide thoughts might be present
• Recognize that invitations for help are often overlooked
• Move beyond the common tendency to miss, dismiss, and avoid suicide
• Apply the TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, and KeepSafe

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is offered to someone with an emerging mental health or substance use problem or in crisis, until appropriate treatment is found or the situation resolves. An evidence-based course, MHFA Standard  has been proven to give participants:

• The tools to recognize signs of decline in mental well-being.
• The ability to talk about their mental health.
• The knowledge to discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery or improved mental well-being.
• The confidence to reach out to these supports.
• The tools to assist during a mental health or substance use crisis.
• The knowledge to use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental wellness.

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 live classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3). Course participants will complete Module 1 before participating in Modules 2 and 3.

For more information, visit: MHFA Standard (Blended) – Mental Health Commission of Canada

Empathic Strain has been described as “the cost of caring for others in emotional pain.” You cannot give of yourself daily and not be impacted by it in both your personal and professional lives. Knowing this, and having a common language among team members, can help to normalize the responses you may have to your work, and provide understanding and support. You will learn the definitions of empathic strain, vicarious trauma, moral distress, moral residue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction, and their impact on well-being, and well as the impact of trauma on the brain. We will also discuss self-care and resilience strategies, including ways to bring self-care and well-being into the workplace.

This course is offered virtually or in person and can be completed in 1 hour, 3 hours, and 6 hours.

The 1 hour presentation offers theory and general information, as well as resources to complete independently.

The 3 and 6 hour workshops are more interactive and provide a deeper understanding of the theory and how it impacts the brain.  Participants will have the opportunity to use the skills and tools shared in the session, engage in conversation with peers, and ask questions.

This training is based on the teachings of Françoise Mathieu from the Tend Academy.

Living Life to the Full is a 12-hour, eight-week course offered in a group format. The course sessions are 1.5 hours each and are held once a week. Trained facilitators use small group activities to identify and work on improving feelings, moods, and behaviours.

The course includes activities designed to engage participants at their comfort level, and inspire them to shift how they respond to stresses in their lives. Sessions include Living Life to the Full booklets and worksheets, as well as moderated discussions in which participants may share information, ideas, and provide mutual support.