Community Lifelines: Mental Health First Aid Essentials Virtual – February 18

Community Lifelines: Mental Health Education

CMHA-NL, in collaboration with Lifewise and Richard’s Legacy, proudly presents the Community Lifelines Project. This initiative offers comprehensive training at no cost, thanks to generous funding from the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Government’s Department of Health and Community Services. Our aim is to empower community members, first responders, children and youth, sports groups & clubs, schools & teachers, community centers, non-profits, and others with the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance their services and support their communities effectively.

Register Here

Date: Wednesday February 18, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM NST

Cost: No Charge. This course is provided through The Community Lifelines Program. Registrants must be 18+.

Location: Virtual.  You will need a stable internet connection, camera and laptop/tablet. Instructions and Zoom link will be provided after registration.

Please read the full description below.

Please be advised that information covered in these training courses relates to the topic of mental health and suicide and may be sensitive for some participants. If you have been recently bereaved by suicide or feel that now is not the right time for you to participate in this training, please consider your well-being before registering for or attending a session.

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Mental Health First Aid Essentials is a one-day, practical training designed to give participants the foundational knowledge, skills, and confidence to support someone experiencing a mental health concern or crisis — without the requirement of formal certification.

Participants will learn how to:

• Recognize signs of declining mental well-being or crisis, using the evidence-based ALGES framework (Approach → Listen → Give reassurance & info → Encourage supports → Self-care).

• Communicate empathetically and non-judgmentally, respond to mental health or substance-use challenges, and support someone in crisis or distress.

• Understand mental health on a continuum — from wellness to illness — and explore common barriers like stigma, diagnostic labelling, and misconceptions.

• Build self-care practices so first aiders stay well while helping others, and learn about mental-health supports and resources available in their community.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Seats will not be reserved without completed registration.

• The facilitator reserves the right to remove any participant from the training session or to terminate the session entirely if any individual(s) engages in inappropriate, disruptive, or harmful behavior that creates an unsafe learning space. Inappropriate behavior includes but is not limited to harassment, discrimination, disruptive actions, or failure to adhere to the session’s safe space guidelines. The facilitator’s decision to remove a participant or end the session is final, and no refunds or compensation will be provided in such cases.

• Certificates will only be issued to participants who complete all course hours and required work.

• CMHA-NL reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any course. Notice will be given to those registered