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Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Sessions Offered In Stamford This Fall

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 12:05 GMT by Patch
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Stamford Launches Free Youth Mental‑Health First Aid Training for the Fall

In a community‑focused effort to equip young people and their families with the skills to recognize and respond to mental‑health crises, the City of Stamford announced a series of free Youth Mental‑Health First Aid (MHFA) training sessions that will run throughout the fall. The program, which partners the city’s Office of Neighborhood Services with the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the nonprofit Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) of America, is designed to give adolescents, parents, teachers, and community volunteers the confidence and knowledge to act as a first line of support when a youth faces emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or other mental‑health challenges.

What the Program Looks Like

The MHFA training for youth is an 8‑hour course divided into two sessions: a 4‑hour introductory class and a follow‑up 4‑hour practical workshop. The curriculum, developed by the MHFA national organization, covers topics such as:

• Understanding the signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, substance‑use disorders, and other common youth mental‑health conditions.
• How to safely listen, ask questions, and provide emotional support without judgment.
• Strategies for de‑escalating an emergency situation and connecting the individual to professional help.
• Self‑care tools for responders so they can avoid compassion fatigue and maintain their own mental well‑being.

All training is delivered by certified MHFA instructors who have a background in mental‑health counseling or crisis intervention. The program uses a blend of lectures, interactive role‑play, and group discussion to reinforce learning.

Who Can Attend

The city has opened enrollment to anyone who wants to learn the skills, but priority has been given to:

• Youth aged 12‑17 who will receive a free certificate of completion that they can add to their high‑school records or college applications.
• Parents and guardians who wish to support their children through tough times.
• Teachers, school counselors, and youth‑service workers who interact daily with students.
• Community volunteers such as coaches, after‑school program staff, and faith‑based youth leaders.

The first batch of sessions will begin on September 10 and run through November 12. Sessions will be held at the Stamford Community Center in downtown Stamford, as well as at the Stamford Public Library’s Main Branch, both of which offer large classroom spaces and accessible parking. For participants who cannot attend in person, the city is offering a live‑stream option via the city’s official video portal.

Free of Charge – How to Register

One of the biggest appeals of the program is that it is entirely free of cost, funded by a grant from the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Youth Mental‑Health Initiative. The city will cover instructor fees, training materials, and refreshments.

Interested participants can register through the Stamford City website’s event portal. The portal includes a simple online form that requests basic contact information and the participant’s preferred training session. Once a spot is secured, registrants receive an email confirmation with the exact time, date, and location details. The portal also offers a FAQ section that answers common questions such as “Do I need prior mental‑health knowledge?” and “What if I have a scheduling conflict?”

Community Leaders Speak Up

“We are thrilled to provide this critical resource to our youth and the adults who care for them,” said City Councilmember Emily Rizzo, who was present at the program’s launch event. “Mental‑health challenges among our young people have been rising, and it is essential that we give them, and their families, the tools to help themselves and each other before crises spiral.”

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) of America, the organization behind the curriculum, highlighted that the U.S. has seen a 20 % increase in youth suicide rates over the past decade, underscoring the urgency of such training. “Our training has been shown to improve help‑seeking behavior, reduce stigma, and equip people to act quickly when a crisis occurs,” said Dr. Laura McGrath, a MHFA national training coordinator. “The Stamford program is a model for other municipalities looking to address this pressing issue.”

Stamford’s Office of Neighborhood Services director, Marcus Hernandez, added that the city will track the outcomes of the program. “We plan to survey participants to gauge how confident they feel in handling mental‑health situations after the course, and we’ll collaborate with local schools to see if there’s a measurable improvement in early identification of students in need,” Hernandez said.

Looking Ahead

While the initial focus is on the youth demographic, city officials say that the program will be expanded to include broader community training in the coming years. They also plan to collaborate with the Stamford Police Department to incorporate a component on “de‑escalation techniques” that bridges law‑enforcement and mental‑health response.

In addition, the city will partner with the Stamford Youth Services Center to provide follow‑up counseling resources for participants who may need additional support after the training. Youth services, which include after‑school programs, summer camps, and a teen helpline, will be listed in the training handouts and will provide contact information for local counseling providers.

How to Get Involved

If you are a parent, educator, youth volunteer, or simply a resident who wants to help build a safer, more supportive environment for Stamford’s children, the MHFA training is an excellent place to start. The city’s registration portal is open now, and spots are filling quickly. For those who can’t attend in person, keep an eye on the city’s video portal for a live‑stream option that will be available for each session.

About Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) of America

Founded in 1999, MHFA of America is a national nonprofit that provides training to teach people how to assist those who may be experiencing a mental‑health crisis. Their accredited courses are offered in a variety of formats—including in‑person, hybrid, and online—and focus on evidence‑based skills such as active listening, empathy, and crisis communication. Training also emphasizes the importance of self‑care for responders, ensuring that they remain emotionally healthy while helping others.

About the Stamford Youth Services Center

The Stamford Youth Services Center is a city‑run facility that offers a range of programs for children and adolescents, from academic support and STEM enrichment to after‑school and summer activities. The center also hosts a teen helpline staffed by trained volunteers who can provide confidential support and connect teens to professional resources.

By providing this free training, Stamford is taking a concrete step toward empowering its young people with the tools to navigate the complex mental‑health landscape. The program not only equips youth with life‑saving skills but also promotes a culture of openness and support that can ripple throughout the community. As the fall sessions roll out, the city hopes to inspire other municipalities to follow suit, ensuring that mental‑health first aid becomes a standard part of community resilience.