Vienna Muise, Wellness Director at Portage la Prairie’s Family Resource Centre, is urging the community to prioritize funding for mental health first aid programs. She expresses frustration over the lack of financial support for these initiatives, emphasizing their role in reducing stigma, empowering individuals, and fostering safer workplaces.
Muise highlights systemic hurdles in securing resources for mental health training.
“Trying to get funding to facilitate mental health first aid is hugely important. I have reached out for some funding. Unfortunately, I’ve been met with, ‘We’ll fund these situations or we’ll fund these programs’. But I find with mental health first aid or mental health-related programming, it’s difficult because not everyone really sees the need for it,” she says. “Until it becomes an issue for someone – when it’s at their doorstep – people aren’t as likely to pay attention.”
She stresses that mental health struggles are pervasive, citing data indicating one in five Canadians will face a mental health issue in their lifetime.
The program trains participants to recognize signs of distress, intervene safely, and connect individuals to resources using the ALGES protocol (Assess for risk, Listen nonjudgmentally, Give reassurance, Encourage supports, Self-care).
Muise shares feedback from course attendees.
“I’ve heard feedback from people saying, ‘That made sense,’ or ‘I kind of knew that, but I didn’t know this thing I was doing was actually not helping; I might’ve been making something a little bit worse.’ Sometimes, the only thing that stops a person from helping in a situation is a lack of confidence. Mental health first aid arms you with tools.”
She underscores its relevance for local organizations.
“Even in the business world, if you can train your staff up, it’s very helpful, because it can be other staff they’re working with; it could be clients. It’s people coming in the door; that’s a huge step. It might not be kids they’re doing it with, but it could be parents, it could be co-workers.”
Cost and logistics remain significant obstacles. The hybrid program, requiring online modules and in-person sessions, excludes those without reliable internet or financial flexibility.
“Accessibility can be a barrier. If we had funding, we could support people with devices if they need them. Everyone deserves the chance to learn,” Muise says.
She also links mental health first aid to workplace safety.
“Part of psychological health and safety in the workplace is giving people things like mental health first aid training. It’s not about diagnosing; it’s giving people clarity to act.”
Muise challenges misconceptions, comparing mental health to a garden requiring care.
“Mental health isn’t as big and mysterious and scary as people think. It’s about figuring out what grows in your garden and what you need to maintain it.”
Residents and businesses interested in supporting or participating in mental health first aid training can contact the Family Resource Centre at
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