Mental health among youth is a growing concern.

Canadian Mental Health Association statistics show that 10 to 20 per cent of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder. As a result, it’s becoming increasingly important to raise awareness and offer mental health training to professionals who regularly interact with youth.

For the second time this year, a free two-day Mental Health First Aid for Adults who Interact with Youth certification program is being offered to Brock faculty, staff and students.

The course will take place Monday, June 4 and Tuesday, June 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Welch Hall 303. Participants will learn how to identify symptoms of common health problems and practise the five basic actions of mental health first aid.

The program builds on participants’ existing skills to increase comfort and confidence in working with students and youth aged 12 to 24 experiencing mental health illnesses such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, psychosis or eating and substance-related disorders. Crisis situations will also be examined including suicidal behaviour, panic attacks and acute stress reactions to traumatic events.

The course is limited to 20 participants. It’s mandatory to be present for both sessions in order to receive certification.

To learn more and to register, visit Focus on Learning.

For more information on the certification program, email Brock facilitator Julie Fennell.