Monday, December 2, 2019

Mental Health First Aid Pilot Project

In January 2019, CLAC launched a nationwide mental health first aid (MHFA) pilot project. The project involves a two-day course designed primarily for stewards and CLAC staff to equip them in their workplaces and relationships. Over 250 people have gone through CLAC’s MHFA course to date.

Although some may find the idea of taking a course like this intimidating, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many who were initially reluctant urging their fellow members to take the course too. The positive feedback has led CLAC to continue funding this initiative in 2020.

The Saskatoon Member Centre’s training centre has opened the MHFA training course to anyone who is interested. We will be holding another class early in the new year. If you are interested, please call our office at 306-649-2522 to register. You can also email us at sktraining@clac.ca for more information.

During the two-day course, students will become familiar with the most common mental health illnesses and how to identify signs and symptoms. They will also learn how to help a person until they are given appropriate professional treatment. The course is presented so that students can take away the skills and implement them in a variety of settings.

Why MHFA Matters

During a recent class, a combination of CLAC stewards, management from CLAC-signatory companies, and CLAC front-line staff attended. We asked a few participants to share their thoughts with Local 151 members about why they feel this course is important. Here are some of their responses:

What did you learn or find interesting about the course?

“I learned to look at people in a different light, to recognize body language and speech patterns to see a possible issue that needs to be addressed. I never really gave much thought to mental health, but after the course, it definitely makes you think.”

Marshal Moore, Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Local 151 steward, TWI (Technical Workforce Inc.)

“People are more willing to talk about mental health problems now than even just a few years ago. I found it interesting how to recognize the signs when someone is in trouble and who to contact for help.”

Tracy Mariash, Welcome Specialist, Saskatoon Member Centre

Why did you decide to take mental health first aid?

“In general, mental health is a ‘taboo’ subject in the workplace. The construction industry is especially guilty of this. As the stats show, this is a significant issue, with real implications. Education is the first step in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.”

Daniel Anderson, Project Coordinator, Ledcor Construction Ltd.

Who would you recommend this course to?

“Everyone, because we all know or know of someone who is or who has struggled with a mental health challenge. Everyone has a story. Don’t make assumptions about others. They may be going through something and just don’t know how to share or cope. This course is a great step to a better understanding.”

Phil Polsom, Director, CLAC Training, Saskatchewan

Mental Health First Aid Pilot Project

Why MHFA Matters

You might be interested in