Wayfinders Wellness Society is bringing a new training opportunity to Cochrane aimed at helping everyday locals support people in need
The group is hosting a two-day Mental Health First Aid course on Oct. 17 and 18 at the Wayfinders Ranch House
Opening doors to the community
Executive director Paul Wagman says the program builds on the work they already do with veterans and first responders
“We deal with first responders, military veterans and their families navigating mental health injuries, but now we’re offering something for the general public.”
The course is put on alongside Alberta Recoil Inc., a veteran-owned group, using a framework created by the Mental Health Commission of Canada
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Breaking down stigma
Wagman says that one in five Canadians faces a mental health challenge every year, making these skills useful for everyone
“This is a peer-to-peer approach for helping those experiencing people on a decline in the mental health continuum.”
“Being able to recognize and normalize the conversation around mental health is so critical,” Wagman says. “There’s a stigma, and people are afraid to have normal conversations.”
He says catching those signs early makes a huge difference for anyone going through a tough stretch
“If we can help people avoid and navigate these pitfalls early, then they’re very successful in their journey,” Wagman says
How to sign up
Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, and everyone who finishes gets an official certificate and reference guide
The course runs $350, but anyone who mentions hearing about it on CochraneNow gets a 20 per cent discount
Spots are limited, so organizers recommend signing up early before it fills up
To save a spot, you can email info@albertarecoil.com or call 780-201-0974
