This course was developed with input from educators, caregivers, and mental health experts to meet the unique needs of youth aged 12-24. It offers practical tools to help adults recognize when a young person may be struggling and provides guidance on how to offer meaningful support. By focusing on the challenges and pressures faced by youth today, the program empowers participants to foster understanding, build trust, and promote resilience in the young people they care for.
Who is it for? Suited for parents, guardians, educators, coaches, and youth workers.

that a young person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health or substance use crisis

Discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being

that encourage a young person to talk about a mental health or substance use problem

In a mental health or substance use crisis situation
This 10-hour course opens with a self-directed module (Module 1) that focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practise throughout the virtual classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3). Upon registration, participants receive a link to the “MHFA Reference Guide” that outlines MHFA actions for developing mental health and substance use problems, and mental health crises.
Self-Directed (2 Hours):
Introduction to MHFA • Introduction to MHFA Actions – ALGEES • The role of a first aider • Key knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours • Impact of stigma on mental well-being • The range of changes that may indicate a decline in mental well-being • Risk factors and protective factors that influence mental well-being • Activity: Use the information in this module to create a Persona of a young person you are likely to encounter
Live Classroom (4 hours):
MHFA for Declining Mental Well-Being • Assessing the situation
• Communicating respectfully (includes communicating with people from diverse cultures and with members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community) • Case studies • Review activity: Use what you have learned to support the Persona created in Module 1 Module
Live Classroom (4 hours):
MHFA for Mental Health and Substance Use Crisis Situations
• Responding to possible challenges
• Recognizing possible signs of a crisis
• MHFA actions in a crisis • Case studies • Using MHFA actions (ALGEES) for your own self-care
Amanda Coombs is a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor who combines professional expertise with personal lived experience. She teaches MHFA courses through an anti‑oppressive, trauma‑informed lens, intentionally creating safe, inclusive and engaging learning spaces for participants from diverse backgrounds.