Upcoming Mental Health First Aid Training!

Town of Stratford Community Services and Stratford Partnership for Youth and Families is sponsoring Mental Health First Aid Training. The course, open to the public, is scheduled for Friday, May 20, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday May 21, 2016 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Birdseye Municipal Complex, 468 Birdseye Street, Stratford.

Mental Health First Aid is an internationally recognized, evidence based course that gives the information needed to help someone who is possibly developing a mental health disorder or is experiencing a high level of distress related to a mental health or substance use disorder. The course is intended to decrease stigma and increase the general publics’ understanding of these common challenges. During this interactive, 8 hour training, you will learn:

· The prevalence of mental illness in the U.S.

· The potential warning signs, symptoms and treatment of the most common mental health and substance use disorders.

· A 5 step action plan to assist individuals and to get them to help if in crisis..

· Resources available to those with mental health and substance use disorders. .

Training includes a 3 year MHFA certification (must attend entire 8 hours), MHFA manual, handouts, meals and refreshments. Training is free of charge for Town of Stratford and Stratford Board of Education employees. Fee for Stratford residents: $10.00; non-residents: $35.00. Checks are made payable to Stratford Community Services, 468 Birdseye Street, Stratford, CT 06615 and must be received by May 13, 2016. Space is limited. To register call Stratford Community Services at 203-385-4095 or e-mail Marge Mariconda at mmariconda@townofstratford.com

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