United Services will be holding a free, 8-hour Youth Mental Health First Aid training to the community on Saturday, December 12 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Kingdom Destiny Outreach International (KDOI) 120 Union Street, Willimantic, CT. There is limited availability for this award-winning training, which is the mental health equivalent to CPR, providing individuals with the skills to assist in a mental health crisis until professional assistance arrives.
Those interested in attending should register by contacting John Goodman of United Services at info@usmhs.org or 860-774-2020.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults — family members, caregivers, school staff, health and human services workers, etc. — who work with young people ages 12-25, providing instruction on how to help a child or teen who is experiencing a mental health or substance use problem or is in crisis. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
“We’re happy to offer this free community Mental Health First Aid Training made possible through the tireless work of the family and friends of Jack Young Jr. to raise funds and help our community break through the stigma of mental illness,” said John Goodman, Director of Development and Communications for United Services. “Youth Mental Health First Aid training is an important resource to help train community members on how to provide basic care and support until professional assistance is available.”
Those who finish the course to certify as Mental Health First Aiders will learn a 5-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to help a youth in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care. Funding for this community training is made possible thanks to the proceeds of the annual “Particle Accelerator” benefit rock concert in memory of Jack Young, Jr.