Workplace Training

Beyond Silence Champion Training

This 2-day workplace mental health training course is designed specifically for healthcare workers, and is led by trained healthcare employees with mental health experience.

This evidence-based course is designed to engage healthcare employees in a dialogue regarding mental health issues at work, and how to identify and support workers who are struggling. The program combines information sharing and skill development with strategies for stigma reduction. Evidence for effectiveness of the program is supported by a two-year clinical trial conducted with 189 healthcare workers (comparing Beyond Silence with MHFA) demonstrating significant changes in mental health knowledge and beliefs:

• Feedback from program participants supported the added value of the Beyond Silence program attributed to the specific focus on healthcare work, peer leaders, and the opportunity for dialogue and skill development

• The program has been adapted for smaller, under-resourced organizations and is currently offered as a 2-day training program.

Day 1

Day 1 focuses on exploring the value of addressing workplace mental health in healthcare organizations, including a dialogue about workplace mental health experiences and psychological health and safety. Topics include the mental health continuum, the impact of stress, how mental illness may appear at work and how and when to support someone who is struggling.

Day 2

Day 2 focuses on exploring evidence-based approaches and mental health resources, as well as how to match resources to a person’s unique needs.

View upcoming dates and locations and register for this program.

“Learning, meeting new people plus hearing their stories. The instructors were great, easy to talk to and understand – excellent“

“A wonderful program that will benefit any organization.  Also that it is very applicable to everyone (in their families, communities, etc).”

“Beyond Silence was beyond my expectations, I am eager to create an action plan for my workplace.”

Research Papers:

Research papers and information from research page:Moll S, Patten SB, Stuart H, Kirsh B, & MacDermid JC. (2018). Beyond silence: A randomized parallel-group trial exploring the impact of workplace mental health literacy training with healthcare employeeCanadian Journal of Psychiatry.

Moll, S., VandenBussche, J., Brooks, K., Kirsh, B., Stuart, H., Patten, SB. & MacDermid, JC. (2018). Workplace mental health training in health care: Key ingredients of implementation. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.

People Discussing healthcare related issues

Peer Educator Training

This two-day training is for champion trainees who wish to become facilitators of the Champion Training program. The training will be provided in small groups (up to 12 participants) to optimize opportunities for discussion and hands-on practice. Content of the program includes:

  • Foundational principles of Beyond Silence facilitation
  • Best-practice evidence regarding anti-stigma education and the power of personal stories
  • Application of adult learning and group theory principles
  • Facilitation practice, with an opportunity to provide and receive feedback
  • Discussion re: opportunities and logistics of the peer educator role

To view upcoming dates and locations and to register for this program visit PSHSA. 

The prerequisite to this course is Beyond Silence Champion Training. Please complete this training before taking the Peer Educator Training