Mental Health First Aid

• Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 June
• 9.30am to 3.30pm
• NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, BT15 2GB
• Book your place here

On Monday and Tuesday June 3-4, the Northern Ireland Frontline Network will be running a certificated Mental Health First Aid course for frontline staff in the homelessness sector. Unfortunately, many people experiencing homelessness can face challenges with their mental health. This course is designed to equip participants with the tools to know how to effectively support people struggling with their mental health and who may be in crisis.

When and where is the course running?

The course is being held on Monday and Tuesday June 3-4 at NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, BT15 2GB. This is a two-day course and participants need to be able to come for both the Monday and Tuesday.

Who is running the course?

The course will be provided by Lighthouse, a leading mental health charity working in North Belfast. The trainer will be Stuart Kirk. Stuart is a qualified mental health first aid trainer with considerable experience of providing training to people working in the community and voluntary sector. All participants who complete the course will receive a certificate accredited by the Public Health Agency.

What are the course objectives?

By the end of the session participants will:

• Learn how to deal with crisis situations such as suicidal behaviour, self-harm, panic attacks and acute psychotic behaviour.
• Understand where and how to get help for someone in need.
• Learn self-help strategies related to mental health.

How much does it cost?

As with all Frontline Network events, the two-day course is entirely free for frontline staff to attend. Participants must be able to attend on both days to take part and be signed up to the Frontline Network mailing list. To sign up to join the list, simply fill in the form on the website here.

There are limited spaces for this course, so places will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. So that as many organisations as possible can benefit from this course, organisations will be limited to a maximum of two places each. However, we will run a waiting list to make sure that as many places as possible are taken.

Can I come?

If you are a frontline worker in the homelessness sector, you would be most welcome to come along! A frontline worker is any professional who is working directly with people experiencing homelessness in Northern Ireland. The frontline network is open to staff working in the public, statutory and voluntary sectors.

How do I sign up?

You sign up by emailing admin@homelessconnect.org. Please include any dietary requirements you may have, as lunch will be provided for participants.