Groups & Public Education

CMHA-CT offers a number of educational opportunities for clients and the public.

Group Offerings for Clients

CMHA-CT offers various groups to support clients on their journey towards recovery. Through these groups, clients learn new skills, develop and apply coping strategies and build relationships with peers. Visit our Events Calendar to see group schedules and how to register.

Educational Opportunities for the Public

 CMHA-CT also offers workshops and presentations to the public as a way to educate our communities on mental health and mental illnesses.  Topics include mental health and mental illness awareness, stress management, suicide intervention training and more.  We offer generic sessions on mental health as well as the following standardized trainings:

Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST)

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. 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

To learn more about ASIST, visit: www.livingworks.net/programs/asist/

Mental Health First Aid Canada

Mental health first aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis is resolved.

Mental Health First Aid Basic is a 12-hour course focused on adults interacting with adults in all environments. The course discusses the following mental disorders:

• Substance related disorders
• Mood related disorders
• Anxiety and trauma related disorders
• Psychotic disorders

Crisis first aid skills for the following situations are learned:

• Substance overdose
• Suicidal behaviour
• Panic attack
• Acute stress reaction
• Psychotic episode

To learn more about MHFA, visit: http://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca/

safeTALK

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.

Since its development in 2006, safeTALK has been used in over 20 countries around the world, and more than 200 selectable video vignettes have been produced to tailor the program’s audio-visual component for diverse audiences. safeTALK-trained helpers are an important part of suicide-safer communities, working alongside intervention resources to identify and avert suicide risks. Training features:

• Presentations and guidance from a LivingWorks registered trainer
• Access to support from a local community resource person
• Powerful audiovisual learning aids
• The simple yet effective TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, and KeepSafe
• Hands-on skills practice and development

To learn more about safeTALK, visit: www.livingworks.net/programs/safetalk/

To request a workshop or presentation from CMHA-CT, please complete the form below and submit it to your local CMHA-CT Branch.