Mental Health First Aid training is for anyone, 18 years and older, who wants to learn how to help a person who is experiencing a mental health challenge.

Like CPR teaches the lay person what to do in the case of a cardiac emergency, Mental Health First Aid teaches non-mental health professionals how to help someone who is experiencing a mental health illness or challenge.

An eight-hour certification class — divided into two four-hour sessions — will be offered Saturdays, January 10 and 17, from 8:30 am until12:30 pm. Participants must attend both training dates.

Led by Northwestern CT Area Health Education Center, the course will feature hands on activities, ALGEE 5-step action plan, an overview of local mental health resources, and a resource manual packed with information on topics covered in the class.

Participants will learn how to assist someone experiencing a mental health challenge, risk factors and warning signs of mental illness, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations and where to turn for help. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis and addictions.

The training is free with support provided by The Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation.

It will take place in the lower level of Town Hall South, 3 Main Street.

For additional information contact Patricia Harrity at 203-758-1110  extension 11 or pharrity@nwctahec.org.

Registration can be done online.