Community Care in Practice: Mental Health First Aid Training and Certification

Description

Charlotte Royals Rugby Football Club is partnering with CLGBTCC to offer Adult Mental Health First Aid training and professional certification for our members. This certification-based training will be led by Rikki Bower, MSW (Master of Social Work), and board member / fundraising lead for Charlotte Royals, Program Lead in Community Health Education, and certified Mental Health First Aid instructor.

Mental Health First Aid helps participants identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. The goal is not to turn participants into therapists. The goal is to help people feel more prepared when someone around them may need support. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of concern, respond supportively, connect someone to appropriate resources, and practice self-care as someone who may support others in difficult moments.

This training is especially relevant for: 

• Business owners Managers and team leads 
• Nonprofit leaders ERG leaders 
• HR professionals Community organizers 
• Event volunteers Service providers 
• Customer-facing professionals 
• Coaches 
• Anyone who wants to be better prepared to support others 

Event Details: 

• Limited to 28 participants only 
• Please arrive by 8:50 am 
• Lunch is on your own unless otherwise noted 
• Participants who complete the training will receive a Mental Health First Aid certificate, valid for three years. 

About the Instructor: Rikki Bower, MSW, is a social worker, Program Lead in Community Health Education, and certified instructor for Adult Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Question, Persuade, Refer. His work focuses on increasing mental health literacy, awareness, and community preparedness. Rikki also serves as fundraising chair for Charlotte Royals Rugby Football Club, bringing together his professional background in mental health education with his commitment to queer grassroots sports in Charlotte.