Course Overview
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) provides you with the skills needed to extend crucial support to individuals navigating mental health crises or challenges. Much like traditional first aid, MHFA fosters the ability to identify common signs of distress and deliver immediate aid until professional assistance is accessible.
By learning Mental Health First Aid, we reduce stigma, develop the skills required to assist others experiencing mental health problems and learn strategies for managing our own mental health and wellbeing.
Learning mental health first aid increases the confidence a person has in their ability to help someone in crisis. When we know what to say or do to help, we are more likely to take that step… which can save a life.
Upon completion of the two-day MHFA course, participants receive certification in Mental Health First Aid from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Meet Your Instructor
Jessi Lamorre
Reducing the stigma associated with mental health is my passion. I have worked in the mental health field for over fifteen years as a Behavioural Therapist, mostly within the criminal justice system. In 2019, I was certified by the Mental Health Commission of Canada to facilitate Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses. Since that time, I have travelled around Ontario offering the MHFA courses to colleges, workplaces, and individuals. As a helper, I understand the importance of self care. My favourite self care activities include hiking, paddle boarding, photography, and yoga. Nature is my happy place 😊
You can follow Jessi on Instagram @mellowkaliwellness
Itinerary
Course Location
Our wilderness resort along the beautiful Middle Madawaska River is perfect for group learning programs. We have a variety of indoor and outdoor gathering areas that accommodate varying needs for classes and weather. Madawaska Kanu Centre is just south of the town of Barry’s Bay, Ontario.
Cost
$475
From $80-$370. See below for various accommodation & meal packages
Accommodation + Meal Packages
Shared Lodge and Meal Plan* | $370
Shared Cabana and Meal Plan* | $370
Shared Glamping and Meal Plan* | $370
Dormitory and Meal Plan* | $310
Camping and Meal Plan | $280
Camping No Meals | $80
Check In
Friday evening before your course between 7 & 10pm
Check Out
Sunday after the course at about 4pm
*For those booking for one for Glamping, Cabana, Lodge or Dorm: it is likely you will stay with other students of the same gender. As a wilderness resort we have chosen to not expand too far into our surrounding forest and therefore have limited indoor accommodations. To book a private room as an individual is an additional cost.
About our Meals
We take pride in serving healthy, hearty and delicious meals. As a proud member of FeastON, we source locally when possible and add our special touch with herbs and edible flowers from our own garden. Meals start with breakfast the first day of the course and include: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner plus an après-paddling snack. Coffee, tea and juice are complimentary. BYOB.
Locally roasted specialty coffee and homemade snacks can be purchased from our Riverside Shop & Café.
Group Discounts
Groups of 4 or more who book at the same time are offered a discount! Some conditions apply. Looking forward to chatting with you about details.
Who is this Course for?
This course is for anyone (aged 16+) interested in learning more about mental health.
Learn more about providing support for those facing mental health challenges
August 23-24, 2025
We’re so happy to host this course at MKC!
Weekend Whitewater
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Pack Raft on the Madawaska
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