Training: Mental Health First Aid

Have you ever had a sense that a friend or family member just “isn’t themselves”? Or that they seem to be struggling with something emotional? You love them and would like to help, but you just don’t know how to start or how to address the issue or how to understand. And sometimes we notice things in strangers that we cross paths with that something is troubling them, but we don’t know where to refer them or what local resources are available to help them. Everyone we meet seems to be stressed, distressed, or disturbed by the state the world is in, not to mention crises in our own families!

Your Congregational Care Committee is organizing training in Mental Health First Aid you can attend right here at FPC to equip you to be able to recognize and understand signs that someone is in emotional distress and how to support and respond in a loving, healthy, and Christ-centered way. With assistance from Pastor Gary and Catherine Bell, we have scheduled a half-day workshop in February 2026 led by a certified instructor entitled The Building Blocks of Emotional Awareness that will equip us to enhance our listening skills and give us practical knowledge about responding to the mental health needs of those in our community. We will also learn about local professional and clinical resources who will collaborate with us to provide support and foster healing of the whole person, including their physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects.

We are extending the invitation to other churches in the immediate area who have expressed interest and need for this type of training. Seating is limited, so register soon. Due to the expense of providing an experienced and certified trainer, a workbook and all materials needed, we are requesting a donation of $20 per person. If you need financial assistance with this, please don’t hesitate to reach out when you register! We have scholarships available.