All are invited to attend a Youth Mental Health First Aid course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, at the Penny Farcy building on Bank Road.

The class is free and designed to teach everyone from parents and family members, to school staff and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (ages 12 to 18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Among topics covered will be: risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems; information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis and addiction disorders; a five-step action plan to help someone developing a mental health problem or in crisis, and where to turn for help — professional, peer, and self-help resources.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people.

For more information, contact Lisa MacLeod, co-chair of the Vashon Alliance to Reduce Substance Abuse (VARSA) at 463-0378.