Care and Counsel Committee, working with Worship and Ministry Committee and the ad hoc Safety Committee, is planning a one-day workshop on Saturday, October 15, at the meetinghouse. Here's how the agency that provides the training describes it:

"Mental Health First Aid is an in-person training designed for anyone to learn about mental illnesses and addictions, including risk factors and warning signs. Similar to CPR, participants learn a 5-step action plan to help people who are developing a mental health problem or in crisis. It is a low-cost, (no charge in Philadelphia) high-impact program that emphasizes the concept of neighbors helping neighbors. Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. The course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect persons to professional, peer and social supports as well as self-help resources.

“Mental Health First Aid allows for early detection and intervention by teaching participants about the signs and symptoms of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions. The program offers concrete tools and answers key questions like “What can I do?” and “Where can someone find help?” Participants are introduced to local mental health resources, national organizations, support groups, and online tools for mental health and addictions treatment and support.”

Download a 5-page description (as a PDF file) form the Files section, below. Watch for more information about signing up to attend.

And when you're ready, click here to sign up to attend.