MHFA@W learning journey

By the end of this six-phase journey, participants will:

• Understand the role of leadership, peer support, and self-awareness in workplace mental health, fostering a culture of psychological safety.
• Recognize early warning signs of mental health struggles in both virtual and in-person settings.
• Develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence (EQ) to navigate difficult conversations and strengthen workplace relationships.
• Gain foundational knowledge of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), including key principles for effective workplace mental health support.
• Enhance essential MHFA skills, such as de-escalation, emotional regulation, active listening, empathetic communication, and problem-solving.
• Learn how to navigate high-crisis scenarios and difficult conversations, ensuring appropriate risk mitigation and response.
• Clarify their role in providing mental health support, setting healthy boundaries, and balancing workplace responsibilities.
• Understand support options and referral pathways, ensuring employees receive the right help at the right time.

The 6-phase journey

Phase 1: Setting the Foundation (1-Hour Training Session)

• Launching the Mental Health First Aid Journey: Overview of what’s ahead
• EQ Essentials: Understanding self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills
• Personal Self-Insight: Identifying emotional strengths and growth areas
• Emotional Awareness in Action: Recognizing how emotional intelligence impacts the ability to support others

Phase 2: Recognizing the Signals (2-Hour Training Session)

• The Mental Health Continuum: Understanding the spectrum of well-being
• Spotting the Signs: Identifying employees at risk
• Common Challenges: Anxiety, depression, burnout, stress-related concerns, and substance abuse
• Approaching with Care: Initiating supportive conversations with confidence
• Empathy in Action: Strengthening connection and trust in interactions

Phase 3: Personal development workbook

Workbook sent to participants covering:

•       Summary of key concepts
•       Self-reflection activities
•       Engagement pieces for the next session

Phase 4: Strengthening Your Impact (2-Hour Training Session)

• Practical Mental Health Support Strategies
• Micro-Recap: Reinforcing key learnings from previous phases
• Active Listening: Techniques for meaningful and impactful conversations that foster trust and psychological safety
• Accessing a clear mind: Maintaining composure while supporting others, ensuring the Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) remains grounded, effective, and able to facilitate problem-solving
• Emotional Containment & Diffusion: Supporting individuals in distress without absorbing their emotions, while fostering a safe and non-judgmental space
• Problem-Solving & Action Steps: Practical guidance for navigating challenges, facilitating solutions, and providing next steps in a supportive manner
• Role Alignment & Boundaries: Clarifying the MHFA’s role in the workplace, setting realistic boundaries, and understanding personal capacity in providing mental health support
• Capable connectors: Understanding referral processes and pathways to ensure employees access appropriate support resources

Phase 5: Personal development workbook

Workbook sent to participants covering:

•       Summary of key concepts
•       Reflection points
•       Engagement pieces for the next session

Phase 6: Moving Forward with Confidence (1-Hour Training Session)

• Final Summary & Key Takeaways
• Case Study Trial Zone: Applying skills in real-world scenarios
• Attendee Feedback & Discussion
• Q&A

This structured journey ensures participants acquire practical skills, knowledge, and support for effective mental health management and support in the workplace.