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Co-facilitator Policy Manual Mental Health First Aid First Nations JANUARY 2016 Version 1

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Page 1: Mental Health First Aid First Nations First...Mental Health First Aid . ... principles of: Integrity ... Mental Health First Aid First Nations is a 20 hour course that aims to:

Co-facilitator Policy Manual

Mental Health First Aid

First Nations

JANUARY 2016 Version 1

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MHFA FIRST NATIONS CO-FACLITATOR POLICY HANDBOOK – JANUARY 2016 - 1

About This Manual Thank you for being a part of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Canada. Our mission is to provide world-class mental health training. Our instructors and co-facilitators are the ones who deliver that training from coast to coast to coast. We are working together to ensure all Canadians are within reach of effective mental health first aid. Since 2007, MHFA Canada has trained instructors and co-facilitators in communities, towns, and cities in every province and territory. We seek to ensure that every Canadian who takes an MHFA course receives a high-quality and consistent experience that provides them with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to provide effective first aid. This manual is about the relationship you have with MHFA Canada. It clarifies expectations MHFA Canada has of co-facilitators as well as expectations co-facilitators can have of MHFA Canada. Inside you will find some specific information that will determine how you plan and deliver courses. Mostly you will find clear and overarching policies that will help guide you in your course delivery, administration, and ongoing efforts. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns related to the contents of this manual, we need to hear from you. Please contact MHFA Canada anytime about anything. NOTE: The feminine pronoun ‘she’ is used in this manual and is intended to denote both male and female readers.

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Preamble Mental Health First Aid Canada Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved. The MHFA courses give people the skills to provide that early help that is so important in recovery. Mental Health First Aid Canada (MHFA Canada) is a program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada based in Ottawa. MHFA Canada provides the overall direction and coordination of MHFA courses across the country. MHFA Canada’s continuous improvement related to co-facilitators and participants is rooted in the principles of: Integrity We are clear in our words and actions and intend to do the right things for the right reasons to benefit Canadians. Quality We stand out for excellence in everything we do. Collaboration We are committed to engaging stakeholders in good faith as trusted and valued partners. Accessibility We believe anyone can be a mental health first aider when enabled with safe and effective tools. Our Mission MHFA Canada’s mission is to be the preeminent leader in mental health training in Canada and internationally by providing world-class quality mental health courses. Our Vision Every Canadian in need is within reach of effective mental health first aid. The Mental Health Commission of Canada The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is a catalyst for improving the mental health system and changing the attitudes and behaviours of Canadians around mental health issues. Through its unique mandate from Health Canada, the MHCC brings together leaders and organizations from across the country to accelerate these changes.

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Contents About This Manual ....................................................................................................................................... 1

Preamble ....................................................................................................................................................... 2

Our Mission .............................................................................................................................................. 2

Our Vision ................................................................................................................................................. 2

The Mental Health Commission of Canada ............................................................................................. 2

Definitions .................................................................................................................................................... 5

Mental Health First Aid Overview ............................................................................................................... 7

History of MHFA Canada .......................................................................................................................... 7

MHFA First Nations Course Overview ..................................................................................................... 7

MHFA Co-facilitators .................................................................................................................................... 9

MHFA Co-facilitator Agreement .............................................................................................................. 9

Refresher Activities .................................................................................................................................. 9

Fidelity to MHFA Courses ......................................................................................................................... 9

Language of instruction ............................................................................................................................ 9

Use of MHFA Extranet .............................................................................................................................. 9

Course Delivery ........................................................................................................................................ 9

Participant Information............................................................................................................................ 9

Documentation ....................................................................................................................................... 10

Maintaining Insurance ........................................................................................................................... 10

Professional Conduct ............................................................................................................................. 10

Course Delivery .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Co-facilitator Status .................................................................................................................................... 10

Active Status ........................................................................................................................................... 10

First Nations course only .................................................................................................................... 10

First Nations and another version of MHFA ...................................................................................... 10

Inactive Status ........................................................................................................................................ 11

Inactive Co-facilitator with left-over manuals .................................................................................. 11

Provisional and Conditional Status ........................................................................................................ 11

Provisional Co-facilitator .................................................................................................................... 11

Conditional Co-facilitator ................................................................................................................... 11

Certified Status ....................................................................................................................................... 11

Maintaining Co-facilitator Status ........................................................................................................... 12

Cross-training on MHFA Courses ........................................................................................................... 12

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Receiving Credit for Course Delivery ......................................................................................................... 12

Expected Course Delivery Process ............................................................................................................. 12

Professionalism ...................................................................................................................................... 12

Posting and pricing of courses ............................................................................................................... 13

Accessibility ............................................................................................................................................ 13

Class size and format .............................................................................................................................. 13

Use of co-facilitator materials ............................................................................................................... 13

Providing local resources ....................................................................................................................... 13

Use of additional materials .................................................................................................................... 14

MHFA Administrative Documentation .................................................................................................. 14

Participant interest and major disruption ............................................................................................. 14

Co-facilitator safety ................................................................................................................................ 14

Course content ....................................................................................................................................... 15

Co-facilitation ......................................................................................................................................... 15

Participant feedback .............................................................................................................................. 15

Course completion ................................................................................................................................. 15

Participant Certificates ............................................................................................................................... 15

Communication with Co-facilitators .......................................................................................................... 16

Co-facilitator Contact Information ............................................................................................................ 16

Security and Privacy of Information .......................................................................................................... 16

Complaints and Appeals ............................................................................................................................ 16

Extended Leave .......................................................................................................................................... 17

Instructing MHFA outside Canada ............................................................................................................. 17

Foreign Training and Uses in Canada ......................................................................................................... 17

Additional Considerations .......................................................................................................................... 17

Use of MHCC and MHFA Canada logos .................................................................................................. 17

Co-facilitator relationship with MHFA Canada and MHCC ................................................................... 18

Performance Management ........................................................................................................................ 18

Preferred Communication Language ......................................................................................................... 18

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Definitions Mental Health First Aid Canada (MHFA Canada) Mental Health First Aid Canada (MHFA Canada) is the program which administers all the various MHFA courses throughout Canada. MHFA Canada Certified First Nations Co-Facilitator Co-facilitator can provide the MHFA First Nations training course (20 hours). This course must be facilitated by 2 MHFA First Nations co-facilitators. MHFA Canada Certified Basic Instructor Instructor can provide the MHFA Basic training course (12 hours). MHFA Canada Certified Youth Instructor (Adults who interact with Youth) Instructor can deliver the MHFA for Adults who Interact with Youth course (14 hours). MHFA Canada Certified Northern Peoples Instructor Instructor can provide the MHFA Northern Peoples course (18 hours). This course must be facilitated by 2 MHFA Northern Peoples instructors. MHFA Canada Provisional Co-facilitator Co-facilitator is within the first year of completing the MHFA co-facilitator training course and can provide the MHFA courses for which they were trained. MHFA Canada Conditional Co-facilitator Co-facilitator is within the first year of completing the MHFA co-facilitator training course and must instruct their first two (2) MHFA courses for which they were trained with either a certified or provisional co-facilitator. MHFA Canada Provisional Instructor Instructor is within the first year of completing the MHFA instructor training course and can provide the MHFA courses for which they were trained. MHFA Canada Provisional Co-Instructor Instructor is within the first year of completing the MHFA instructor training course and must instruct their first three (3) MHFA courses for which they were trained with either a certified or provisional instructor. MHFA Canada Certified Joint Co-facilitator Co-facilitator can deliver both MHFA First Nations and another version of MHFA. MHFA Canada First Nations course The MHFA Canada First Nations course duration totals 20 hours. MHFA Canada Basic course The MHFA Canada Basic course duration totals 12 hours.

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MHFA Canada Youth course The MHFA Canada Adults who Interact with Youth course duration totals 14 hours. MHFA Canada Northern Peoples course The MHFA Canada Northern Peoples course duration totals 18 hours. Anniversary date The date a co-facilitator has successfully completed his/her co-facilitator training and can start delivering MHFA courses. Anniversary year The 12 month period that starts with the month in which the co-facilitator course was completed. This is the period during which the co-facilitator must meet minimum course requirements. Contract Co-facilitator Co-facilitators that MHFA Canada contracts to deliver participant courses. Master Trainer Co-facilitators that MHFA Canada contracts to deliver co-facilitator trainings. Active Co-facilitator Provisional co-facilitators, conditional co-facilitators and certified co-facilitators who continue to meet minimum requirements. Inactive Co-facilitator Provisional co-facilitators, conditional co-facilitators and certified co-facilitators who have not met minimum requirements or are on an approved leave of absence. MHFA Canada Certified Participant Someone who has successfully completed an MHFA course.

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Mental Health First Aid Overview History of MHFA Canada MHFA was developed by Professor Anthony Jorm and Betty Kitchener from the Centre for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University in 2001. MHFA has become an internationally recognized standard, operating in over 20 countries and acting as part of the national mental health strategy in both Australia and Scotland. International research has shown that the core components of this evidence based course offer significant positive impacts for participants and their workplaces, communities and families. Namely:

• Significantly greater recognition of the most common mental health illnesses and problems • Decreased social distance from people with mental health illnesses or problems • Increased confidence in providing help to others • Demonstrated increase in help actually provided

In 2006, the Alberta Mental Health Board signed a Letter of Understanding with Kitchener and Jorm to administer, adapt, and disseminate MHFA in Canada. In 2010, the MHFA came under the auspices of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. MHFA First Nations Course Overview Mental Health First Aid First Nations is a spark that awakens the courage to have open and honest conversations about mental health with family, friends, and others. It is part of the ongoing journey that helps strengthen the connections within communities. MHFA First Nations shares the same overall purpose as physical first aid. It aims to:

• Preserve life where a person may be a danger to themselves or others. • Provide help to prevent the mental health problem from developing into a more serious state. • Promote the recovery of good mental health. • Provide comfort to a person experiencing a mental health problem.

Mental Health First Aid First Nations is a 20 hour course that aims to:

• Increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of the most common mental health problems

• Increase awareness of the pathways to recovery • Increase confidence and skills to help those developing a mental health problem or in crisis • Decrease stigma about mental illness

Facilitated from a First Nations Perspective where:

• Sharing is an important part of learning • Community strengths guide the journey • Every First Nations community is unique • Support looks different in every community • Communities explore First Nations and western practices in the pathways to recovery

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This evidence-based course is for adults and is best experienced in a First Nations community setting. It is designed to speak to participants about mental health; where participants reflect on their life experiences and acknowledge the historical context of that experience then move forward to explore ways to restore balance on their journeys to wellness. The MHFA Canada program does not train a person to be a therapist or to provide a diagnosis. The MHFA Canada program does not train a person to be a therapist or to provide a diagnosis. MHFA Canada offers several options to people that are interested in the MHFA program:

• Participate in the MHFA First Nations course (20 hours) for adults. • Participate in the MHFA Basic course (12 hours) for adults. • Participate in the MHFA for Adults who Interact with Youth (14 hours) (MHFA Youth). • Participate in an MHFA for Northern Peoples course (18 hours). • Become a co-facilitator in one or more of the MHFA courses.

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MHFA Co-facilitators Here are listed the general requirements and conditions for all co-facilitators. Where necessary, explanation is provided in other sections of this manual. MHFA Co-facilitator Agreement Co-facilitators must sign and adhere to all clauses of the co-facilitators’ agreement as presented during the MHFA co-facilitator training course. The co-facilitator agreement is the guiding document that lists expectations that must be met ongoing to maintain co-facilitator certification. Refresher Activities Co-facilitators must complete refresher activities as required by the MHFA Canada program. These activities will change in content, length, and delivery over time. Fidelity to MHFA Courses Co-facilitators are responsible to maintain the fidelity of the MHFA courses. Namely that course slides, manuals, and training materials are delivered as provided and additional handouts, case studies, and other supporting materials that are not provided to the co-facilitator by MHFA Canada must be approved for use. Language of instruction Co-facilitators can instruct the course in English. The course materials are available in English only at this time. If certain words or expressions need to be clarified in a different language, co-facilitators may do so only for points of clarification. Use of MHFA Extranet Co-facilitators are responsible to ensure they post all courses to the MHFA co-facilitators’ extranet at least one month prior to course delivery. Co-facilitators are responsible to ensure they regularly visit the MHFA co-facilitators’ extranet for updates on content and processes. Course Delivery Co-facilitators may deliver versions of courses only for which they have been approved by MHFA Canada. For example, if trained in First Nations, the co-facilitator may deliver only First Nations courses. All courses must be delivered by a minimum of 2 co-facilitators at all times without exception. Participant Information Co-facilitators are responsible to communicate accurate and complete participant information to MHFA Canada within 7 days of course completion.

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Documentation All co-facilitators are responsible to remit all required documentation to MHFA Canada within 7 days of completion of the MHFA course. Maintaining Insurance All co-facilitators are responsible to maintain either:

• Comprehensive general liability insurance in an amount no less than two million ($2,000,000) per occurrence covering activities as a co-facilitator, or

• If employed, the employer must have comprehensive general liability insurance in an amount not less than two Million ($2,000,000) per occurrence.

Exceptions apply for entities that self-insure. Professional Conduct Professional misconduct or misrepresentation of MHCC or MHFA Canada will not be tolerated and will lead to a co-facilitator’s suspension and/or the revocation of co-facilitator’s status.

Course Delivery It is recognized that the MHFA First Nations course is scheduled for 20 hours. However, because discussions, stories, ceremonies, and other events will take place, there is flexibility in the overall length of the course. In every case, the course must be delivered in its entirety on consecutive days.

Co-facilitator Status Active Status A co-facilitator remains active when she continues to meet the minimum requirements of the MHFA Canada co-facilitator agreement. These requirements vary depending on the number of versions of MHFA the co-facilitator may deliver: First Nations course only The certified co-facilitator must deliver a minimum of two courses per year during each anniversary year and complete an online assessment annually. First Nations and another version of MHFA The certified instructor must deliver a minimum of three courses per year during each anniversary year with at least one of each type and complete an online assessment annually.

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Inactive Status A co-facilitator will be considered inactive if he/she has not instructed the minimum number of courses per year as described in his/her co-facilitator agreement. If a co-facilitator is found to be in breach of the co-facilitator agreement, their status may be moved to inactive status. Inactive Co-facilitator with left-over manuals If a co-facilitator becomes inactive for any reason, MHFA Canada is not responsible for remaining inventory of participant materials. Provisional and Conditional Status A co-facilitator that successfully completes the MHFA Canada co-facilitator training may receive one of the following designations: Provisional Co-facilitator An active provisional co-facilitator is a co-facilitator who delivers an MHFA course either with another co-facilitator. Conditional Co-facilitator An active conditional co-facilitator is a co-facilitator who facilitates an MHFA course with another MHFA co-facilitator (provisional or certified). It is the responsibility of the conditional co-facilitator to find an MHFA provisional or certified co-facilitator who is able to co-facilitate with him/her. Conditional co-facilitators may not deliver a course with another conditional co-facilitator. The status of the active provisional co-facilitator or conditional co-facilitator will be reviewed once she has instructed their first 2 courses and completed an online assessment. This must be completed within 12 months of completing her co-facilitator training. The two possible outcomes are:

• Certification: 2 courses are facilitated with satisfactory feedback and evaluation as deemed by MHFA Canada and the online assessment is completed with satisfactory results

• Inactive status: 2 courses are not instructed OR feedback and evaluation is deemed unsatisfactory by MHFA Canada and/or the online assessment was not completed with satisfactory results

These outcomes are determined based on feedback received from participants, co-facilitators, and MHFA Canada staff who interact with the co-facilitator. Final decisions regarding certification are at the discretion of MHFA Canada.

Certified Status Certified co-facilitators are those who have completed 2 courses and an online assessment as required during their provisional period – the first 12 months after receiving co-facilitator training. A certified co-facilitator continues to deliver the minimum number of courses required on an ongoing basis and complete annual online assessments and meets the terms of their co-facilitator agreement. They may facilitate the course(s) they have been trained to facilitate and no others.

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Maintaining Co-facilitator Status It is expected that MHFA co-facilitators ensure the following in order to hold co-facilitator status:

• All information on co-facilitator records is accurate to the best of their ability • The reputation of MHCC, MHFA Canada, and the MHFA course and its contents are represented

accurately and positively • A safe place is created for participants • MHFA Canada administrative requirements are met within the specified timeframe:

o Posting course on MHFA website for public view prior to course delivery date o Returning required course documentation within 7 calendar days of course completion

• Conditional co-facilitators deliver the course only with provisional or certified co-facilitators Cross-training on MHFA Courses Co-facilitators may become certified in multiple versions of MHFA. Minimum requirements to deliver courses will be affected as indicated above. Certified MHFA Canada First Nations co-facilitators must attend entire MHFA instructor training courses in other versions:

• MHFA BASIC – 5 days • MHFA for Adults Who Interact with Youth – 5 days • MHFA for Northern Peoples – 6 days

Receiving Credit for Course Delivery In order to receive credit for the delivery of an MHFA course, co-facilitators must:

• Deliver the course to a group size of no less than 8 and no more than 25 • Post the course to the MHFA co-facilitators’ extranet prior to course delivery • Submit all course paperwork to MHFA Canada within 7 calendar days of course completion

o Electronic attendance sheet o Paper feedback forms (by mail, fax, or scanned to email)

Courses for which the above requirements are not met will not count toward the minimum courses required per anniversary year.

Expected Course Delivery Process Professionalism MHFA Canada seeks to model professional behaviours and all MHFA co-facilitators represent and are an extension of MHFA Canada. As such, professionalism must be maintained at all times. Professionalism is defined as “the skill, good judgment, and polite behaviour that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well”.

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Co-facilitators must wear context appropriate clothing and discretion is left to the individual to determine what is best to wear. In the event that the course must be ended before completion, the MHFA co-facilitator must refund participant fees and /or provide alternate course dates and location. Posting and pricing of courses All co-facilitators must post all courses, in-house or open, on the MHFA Canada website. Courses not posted on the MHFA Canada website will not count towards the co-facilitator’s required number of courses. Co-facilitators set their own prices for courses they deliver. Co-facilitators are encouraged to make the course accessible to as many people as possible. Accessibility Co-facilitators will ensure the rooms booked for each course are safe and conducive to learning. Emergency exits and washroom facilities must be known by co-facilitators and this information must be transmitted to all participants. To the best of their ability, co-facilitators must attempt to have all courses wheelchair accessible. If co-facilitators are aware of any participant physical challenges, they must attempt to accommodate those needs to the best of their ability. Class size and format MHFA Canada has determined the ideal class size to ensure the materials are understood and the necessary discussion about the topics is effective. Class sizes range from 8 to 25 participants. Courses that include less than 8 or more than 25 participants will not count towards the co-facilitator’s required number of courses. Use of co-facilitator materials None of the documents, manuals, books, information or other materials provided to co-facilitators in the course of their training or at any other time that relate to MHFA may be reproduced in any form, in whole or in part. Unauthorized variations to the course materials could lead to adverse effects on the MHFA participants. All MHFA materials must be ordered through MHFA Canada. Manuals and presentation materials cannot be reproduced independently. Providing local resources As part of their course delivery, MHFA co-facilitators are expected to provide a list of local resources to each participant upon completion of the course. This list includes professional support, crisis lines,

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information sources, and other useful contact information for individuals who are providing mental health first aid. Use of additional materials Co-facilitators who wish to introduce additional materials to the course must first obtain written approval from MHFA Canada. Additional materials must:

1. Provide a relevant teaching point for a specific section of the course 2. Show mental health from a recovery perspective 3. Include a credible and evidence-based source of traditional or western knowledge

Without approval, co-facilitators may use only those materials provided by MHFA Canada in the delivery of the course along with those that provide local and historical context that meet the requirements indicated above. When materials are approved for use they are posted on the MHFA co-facilitators’ extranet and may be used by all co-facilitators. MHFA is an evidence-based course that meets its intended outcomes through delivering the materials as indicated.

MHFA Administrative Documentation Co-facilitators are required to maintain updated versions of all MHFA administrative documents. Updated documents are available on the MHFA co-facilitator’s extranet. Participant interest and major disruption MHFA Canada will provide training to all new co-facilitators during their co-facilitator training course on effective methods to address disruption and lack of interest during an MHFA course. If a participant is disruptive, disrespectful, rude, and otherwise negatively contributes to the unfolding of the course (i.e. inappropriate language) in any way, the co-facilitator has the right to ask the participant to leave the course and the participant will not receive an MHFA certificate of completion. In doing so, the co-facilitator must maintain an exemplary level of diplomacy and tact. In the event a participant is expelled from the course, the co-facilitator will inform MHFA Canada at their first opportunity. MHFA Canada does not require the co-facilitator to provide a refund to the expelled participant. Co-facilitator safety In instances where the physical or psychological safety of the co-facilitator is at risk, she may cancel or postpone course delivery until a more suitable situation is presented. The co-facilitator is expected to provide notice where possible and to work with the organizing agency and/or participants to resolve the issue and find suitable alternatives.

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Course content MHFA Canada will endeavor to update the content of the course and supporting materials on a regular schedule to ensure that co-facilitators have the materials required to provide an effective and positive course experience for participants. Co-facilitators must use the MHFA PowerPoint presentation and course materials they received during their training and may add only slides and content that enhance the local context of the course and do not take away from the core elements of MHFA First Nations. Where possible, co-facilitators are encouraged to share their local context and resources with MHFA Canada and other co-facilitators. Co-facilitation The MHFA First Nations course must be delivered by a minimum of two co-facilitators at all times. The course may have up to three co-facilitators. Each co-facilitator must be present for the duration of the course and be available to provide individual support to participants as required. 8-17 participants – maximum 2 co-facilitators 18-25 – maximum 3 co-facilitators Feedback forms for each co-facilitator must be used. Each participant must put co-facilitators’ names on the forms. Co-facilitators must facilitate a minimum of 4 hours of the course to be considered as co-facilitator for that course. Provisional and conditional co-facilitators are required to submit peer feedback forms.

Participant feedback Each participant must be provided the opportunity to complete and return the feedback form provided to co-facilitators through the MHFA extranet. Participant feedback is used to ensure quality of course delivery as well as address emerging issues related to course content, co-facilitator effectiveness, and process. Course completion Upon completing a course, co-facilitators must provide MHFA Canada with an electronic attendance sheet as well as completed feedback forms within 7 calendar days. Co-facilitators will not receive credit for courses unless documentation is provided within 7 days of completion.

Participant Certificates All participants will receive certificates from the co-facilitators upon successful completion of the course. These certificates are provided to co-facilitators when ordering course materials. In the event that a

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participant requires a replacement certificate, the co-facilitator may purchase additional blank certificates from MHFA Canada.

Communication with Co-facilitators MHFA Canada will communicate all policy and process changes that affect co-facilitators in a minimum of two ways:

• By email. All co-facilitators will receive an email from MHFA Canada explaining the change • By web. Changes will be indicated on the MHFA Canada website

Co-facilitator Contact Information Co-facilitators must ensure that MHFA Canada has their most up-to-date contact information including:

• Email address • Mailing address • Phone number • Name changes

Updates to this information can be shared through email, phone, or post. If MHFA Canada is unable to contact a co-facilitator despite making a concerted effort through the email, phone, or postal address that MHFA Canada has on record, the co-facilitator will be deemed inactive.

Security and Privacy of Information MHFA Canada adheres to Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation and The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act to ensure the integrity of our co-facilitators’ and participants’ personal information. MHFA Canada will be in contact with co-facilitators only as required and approved through signed consent documents. At any time, co-facilitators may opt to decline further communication from MHFA Canada with the understanding that the co-facilitator will miss important updates to processes and course content.

Complaints and Appeals Co-facilitators may provide MHFA Canada with a formal complaint at any time by writing in an email or letter. A formal complaint panel will be convened consisting of two management members of MHFA Canada along with an external member. All information related to the complaint will be gathered and analyzed. Recommendations for next steps will be determined and shared with the co-facilitator. Co-facilitators may appeal decisions made by MHFA Canada at any time by writing in an email or letter.

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A formal appeal panel will be convened consisting of two management members of MHFA Canada along with an external member. All information related to the appeal including specific policies, procedures, and contextual considerations will be gathered and analyzed. Recommendations for next steps will be determined and shared with the co-facilitator.

Extended Leave For the purpose of maintaining MHFA co-facilitator certification, extended leave is defined as leave pertaining to employment outside the home region, health leave, or paternity or maternity leave. It is the responsibility of the co-facilitator to notify the MHFA program of their intention to take an extended leave. The notice must be given PRIOR TO the leave. Any notification received after the leave has taken place may not be accepted. If a co-facilitator is on extended leave, their status will become inactive for the time period that has been approved. When the leave is finished, it is the co-facilitator’s responsibility to inform MHFA Canada of their intent to reactivate their status. A reinstatement plan will be put into place. MHFA Canada reserves the right to re-evaluate the co-facilitator status upon their return from extended leave.

Instructing MHFA outside Canada Because MHFA Canada courses are developed using data relevant to the Canadian population, it cannot be delivered outside of Canada. The MHFA Canada course cannot be adapted to foreign populations, due to cultural safety.

Foreign Training and Uses in Canada A co-facilitator who has taken MHFA instructor training from any other country cannot instruct in Canada unless he/she obtains the MHFA Canada certification.

Additional Considerations Use of MHCC and MHFA Canada logos Co-facilitators may incorporate the approved and available version of the MHFA Canada logo on course promotional print and web pages. The most recent version may be found on the MHFA co-facilitators’ extranet website. When using the MHFA Canada logo, co-facilitators must include the following: MHFA Canada is an evidence based program of The Mental Health Commission of Canada.

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Inappropriate use of the logo is strictly prohibited. Co-facilitator relationship with MHFA Canada and MHCC Co-facilitators may not represent the policies or positions of Mental Health First Aid Canada or the Mental Health Commission of Canada. All such questions and discussions must be referred to the Director, Mental Health First Aid Canada. In the event an MHFA co-facilitator poses as an employed or official representative of MHFA Canada or MHCC, she will be subject to revocation of MHFA co-facilitator status. When promoting MHFA through written or verbal means (i.e.: interviews, articles, podcasts, webinars, etc.), co-facilitators must indicate that Mental Health First Aid Canada is an evidence-based program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Performance Management MHFA Canada expects that all co-facilitators will maintain the highest quality of course delivery. MHFA Canada reserves the right to examine all course feedback and co-facilitator statuses at any time. Contravention of the policies above may result in the revocation of co-facilitator status.

Preferred Communication Language MHFA Canada will communicate with co-facilitators in the official language of their choice.