The first round of mental health awareness training was offered last Saturday, at the CV Free Church in Norwich, and over 20 participated and received their certificates by the end of the course. (Photo by Zachary Meseck)

NORWICH – Organizations including Improve Norwich Now and Chenango Health Network are working together to bring free youth mental health first-aid training to individuals interested in learning to recognize signs of mental injury and for those who want to know what to do next.

The first round of training was offered last Saturday, at the CV Free Church in Norwich, and over 20 participated and received their certificates by the end of the course.

The next course will be offered from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on October 24 and October 29, and officials said participants must attend both days to receive their certificate. Alternatively, there will also be a training from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 15 at the Morrisville Norwich Campus.

According to Improve Norwich Now Co-Founder Jen Westervelt, the free course will teach participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance abuse orders.

“Chris Paul and Jamie Hagenbuch have worked to make a course that is valued at $170 per participant, free for all attendees, in order to provide a great educational opportunity to their community,” said Westervelt.