In much the same way that many people get first aid training to learn how they can help in an emergency, the Bermuda Hospitals Board will offer training in mental health.Residents can now sign up for Mental Health First Aide, a two-day course beginning next month and running throughout the year.Its goal is to provide people with the resources to help those experiencing a mental health problem and to guide them to the appropriate professional help.For example, you may encounter an individual who you believe may be experiencing symptoms of depression. This course will help you to be able to approach this individual and will give you the tools to discuss your concerns as well as help them seek appropriate professional help.The programme was developed in Australia in 2001, by Betty Kitchner and Anthony Jorm. It is currently available in North America, England, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and Wales.“Bermuda Hospitals Board is introducing this programme as part of our efforts to educate the community about mental health issues with the goal of decreasing the stigma related to mental illness,” said a BHB spokesperson. “Mental Health First Aide is aimed to educate the general public especially those without any mental health background.”The course costs $75 and runs from 9am until 5pm on each day. Participants will be provided with a certificate indicating that they are trained in mental health first aid.Participants will also receive regular updates on mental health first aid resources.For more information e-mail mhfa@bhb.bm or call Shawnee Basden or Cherita Rayner on 236-3770.The course is being offered on February 5 and 6, April 17 and 18, June 13 and 14, August 8 and 9, October 16 and 17 and December 10 and 11.