MADISON — The Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities-Diocese of Madison recently offered Mental Health First Aid training for people involved in various ministries within the diocese.
This was the first offering of this training through the Apostolate.
This training is an initial step in responding to Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison’s call to develop stronger parish-based mental health ministry and resources throughout the Diocese of Madison.
Mental Health First Aid is a training program to help people recognize patterns of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and appearance in other people that could indicate they are experiencing a mental health challenge.
Participants in this training learn about a basic action plan that can be applied in both non-crisis and crisis situations involving mental health challenges.
General information can be found on the Mental Health First Aid website at: mentalhealthfirstaid.org
Mental Health First Aid training typically lasts one entire day.
There are about two hours of pre-course work that participants complete online and at their own pace.
Those who complete the course become certified Mental Health First Aiders.
“The training provides a way for us to feel empowered to approach and accompany those experiencing challenges related to mental health issues. It also reinforces an understanding of the need for boundaries between accompaniment and treatment,” said Cheryl Horne, pastoral associate and co-director of youth ministry at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Madison. “It’s a great first step in the path toward effective parish mental health ministry.”
The Apostolate plans to offer this training on a regular basis in the future. Trainings will be offered in-person and virtually.
For more information on upcoming trainings or to arrange a training for your group, contact the Apostolate at 608-821-3050 or apd@madisondiocese.org