Developed in partnership with the Region of Durham, this 2-day workshop was designed to help non-mental health front-line workers become more knowledgeable, comfortable and skilled when dealing with individuals who experience mental illness. It is an alternative or complement to Mental Health First Aid.  There are four self-contained sections:

•             General Overview of Mental Illness and Recovery (half-day)

•             The Mood Disorders: Depression and Anxiety (half-day)

•             The Biologically-Based Illnesses: Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder (half-day)

•             Borderline Personality Disorder or BPD (half-day)

The content and length of each section can be adjusted to suit your needs.

As a result of this session, participants will be able to:

1.   Recognize the symptoms associated with mental illnesses commonly encountered in service settings;

2.   Respond to individuals with mental illness knowledgeably, comfortably and skillfully;

3.   Find effective ways to support the recovery of individuals who experience mental illness.