Emotional First Aid Training | Multi-Phase Approach

Emotional First Aid Training Program for Peers and Frontline Workers

Emotional First Aid Program for Peers & Frontline Workers

This FREE virtual training by SJA equips peers and frontline workers of the drug poisoning crisis with trauma-informed practical tools, resilience-building strategies, and vital community connections to support mental wellness in high-stress environments. Launching January 2026, this transformative program combats burnout, builds peer-led networks, and creates accessible, open-source resources for lasting impact. The Emotional First Aid (EFA) Program was designed for peers and frontline workers from all communities, including those most impacted by systemic inequities. Become empowered to be a leader in your community.

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Multi-Phase Approach

This project aims to reduce burnout and mental injuries among peers and frontline workers who support people who use drugs. It focuses on delivering targeted training, establishing peer-led networks, and creating open-access resources to improve well-being and resilience.

Phase 1 – Program Development: In partnership with experts and people with lived and living experience (PWLLE), we will develop a mental health training program focused on grief, burnout, self-care, and resilience, tailored to regions affected by the toxic drug crisis. The program, based on St. John Ambulance’s self-care training, will be developed with support from an advisory group led by people with lived/living experience of mental health and substance use.

Phase 2 – Live Virtual Training: Free, live virtual training will be offered to peers and frontline workers across Canada. Facilitator selection will prioritize individuals with lived/living experience. Ongoing feedback will ensure the training meets community needs.

Phase 3 – Train-the-Trainer Program: Train-the-Trainer (TTT) will take place in Phase 3 of the EFA Program and will be fully remote/online. We will begin a "Pilot Era" of TTT from April-June 2026, with the official Bilingual TTT Program anticipated to launch in July 2026. Through TTT, we are building a diverse, nationwide network of expert and peer facilitators who can deliver the Emotional First Aid (EFA) curriculum in their own communities, both in-person and virtually. TTT is a free program where eligible facilitators receive the training, resources, and ongoing support needed to adapt and deliver EFA in ways that are responsive to their community’s unique needs and realities. 

Phase 4 – Resource Toolkits: A final needs assessment will guide the creation of free toolkits, workbooks, and other resources to support peer mental health and community capacity-building. These resources will be made available online to provide ongoing support to peers and communities. The overall goal is to transition all materials and training into free, openly accessible resources to ensure long-term impact and accessibility for peer-based communities.

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Designed to comply with the ACA (Accessible Canada Act).