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Mental Health First Aid Training - MHFA Essentials - AFC

Only two Mental Health First Aid Essentials courses remain in 2026: 1) October 15 - just two spots left! 2) November 16 Join us in building a more supportive entertainment community. Learn more and register through the link in our bio Learn more and register here: buff.ly/GtVfbvQ

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Register for Mental Health First Aid Essentials online courses and learn practical mental health first aid skills for Canada’s performing arts and entertainment industry.

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Whether you're a crew member, artist, technician, administrator, producer, or manager, these skills can help you respond with greater confidence and care when a colleague, friend, or collaborator needs support. Course details: 8 hrs (including breaks) on Zoom $240/participant

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Mental health challenges can affect anyone. Through Mental Health First Aid training, entertainment workers can learn practical skills to recognize signs that someone may be struggling, start supportive conversations, and connect people with appropriate help when needed.

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Imagine if every set, rehearsal hall, venue, production office, and workplace in our industry had someone trained in Mental Health First Aid.

The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

You've got mail! Our October Roundup is waiting for you - get the latest updates from The AFC and programs and events that matter to people working in Canada's entertainment industry. buff.ly/e648SXb Not on our mailing list yet? We'd love to stay connected. Sign up at afchelps.ca.

Illustration on a soft purple background showing a mailbox, flying envelopes, and a person opening a letter. Text reads: “You’ve got mail! Check your inbox for our October Roundup.”

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Anyone interested in grounding, mindfulness, and practical ways to support their well-being through movement is welcome! No experience needed. Oct 29 1–2:30 pm ET | 10–11:30 am PT Zoom | FREE ASL interpretation, closed captions & translated captions available. Register: buff.ly/wZJESny

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

The first session, Finding Foundations of Support: Cultivating Ease and Safety, explores three foundational somatic skills that support a felt sense of safety, ease, and trust. We’ll practice intentional ways to settle, yield, and meet the present moment with more awareness and aliveness.

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

The Somatic Tune-In Series with MD Bloch-Hansen is back! This season, we’ll focus on developing a personal toolkit of somatic resources to draw on through the ups and downs of our lives, creative practices, & careers. These resources can help us meet challenges, find relief, & navigate uncertainty.

Promotional graphic for a Mental Wellness Workshop. The graphic features the title “Somatic Tune-In Series with MD Bloch-Hansen,” identified as a somatic therapist, movement and performance artist. Session 1 is titled “Finding Foundations of Support – Cultivating Ease and Safety.” The workshop takes place on October 29, 2026, from 1:00–2:30 PM ET / 10:00–11:30 AM PT on Zoom. Decorative illustrations include a head with a highlighted brain, a person seated in a meditation pose surrounded by circles, and a calendar icon. Background is light peach with black text.

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Holy Angels (13 Min) buff.ly/m0778uH We Were Children (82 Min) buff.ly/Upnkrlj Second Stories - It Had to Be Done (22 Min) buff.ly/lZFvSco Indian Horse (100 Min) buff.ly/4A490dF Night Raiders (101 Min) buff.ly/kq7n5hE The Secret Path (60 Min) buff.ly/dZ8ZRfJ

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We hope these recommendations offer an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect. Explore the film links below, save this post for later, or share it with someone in your community.

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Learning about this history, listening to Indigenous voices, and making space for lived experiences are important steps toward truth and reconciliation. So, we’ve gathered a selection of films and documentaries that share lived experiences and explore the lasting impacts of residential schools.

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We honour those who died in the residential school system, Survivors, their families, and communities. We also reflect on the lasting impacts of residential schools and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.

Title slide for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. An orange background features a film reel illustration at the top and a winding filmstrip border along the bottom. Centered text reads: “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Explore a selection of films and documentaries to support reconciliation: listening, learning, and committing to do better.”

Graphic for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation featuring recommended films and documentaries. The slide lists Holy Angels (13 minutes, available on NFB), We Were Children (82 minutes, available on NFB), and Second Stories: It Had to Be Done (22 minutes, available on NFB), alongside promotional images from each title. At the bottom, text reads: “These stories share lived experiences of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools and other institutions.” The design uses an orange background with black and white text.

Graphic for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation featuring recommended films. The slide lists Indian Horse (100 minutes, available on CBC Gem), Night Raiders (101 minutes, available on CBC Gem), and The Secret Path (60 minutes, available on YouTube), alongside promotional images from each title. At the bottom, text reads: “Storytelling can foster empathy, spark conversations, help raise awareness, advance reconciliation, and promote civic action.” The design uses an orange background with black and white text.

Final slide in a carousel for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. An orange background features large text reading, “Looking for a place to start?” Below, text encourages viewers to explore the featured films through the links in the caption. Additional text reads, “Save this post for later or share it with someone in your community.” A decorative illustrated filmstrip runs along the bottom of the slide. The design uses black and white text on an orange background.

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Chris is facilitating our upcoming Financial Literacy for the Self-Employed workshop. Oct 8 | 1–3pm ET | Zoom A practical session for freelancers, contractors and self-employed entertainment workers. Register: buff.ly/u3pPCKY This content is for general information only and is not tax advice.

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

In a blog post for our website, Chris breaks down commonly misunderstood expenses and shares free tracking tools he developed through years of working as an artist and self-employed business owner. buff.ly/Kww3ZdT

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Some business expenses are tricky to understand and even trickier to track. Vehicle use, home office expenses, equipment depreciation... when you’re self-employed, keeping track of it all can get confusing. Chris James has some practical tips to help

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Financial Literacy for the Self-Employed 💸 October 8 1-3 pm ET | 10 am-12 pm PT Zoom (FREE) ASL, closed captions & translated captions available This workshop will not be recorded. Everyone who registers will receive a complete Self-Employed Toolkit. Register now: buff.ly/u3pPCKY

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Passionate about supporting self-employed individuals, Chris is dedicated to building financial confidence and empowering communities through education, creativity, and charitable initiatives. Photo: Denise Grant Photography

The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Meet Chris James (he/him) is a community educator, actor (ACTRA & Equity), and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of business management experience. He leads financial literacy workshops for students, artists, and small business owners, helping make financial concepts more accessible.

Presenter bio for Chris James, community educator, actor, and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of business management experience. He teaches financial literacy and supports self-employed individuals in building financial confidence.

Event graphic promoting “Financial Literacy for the Self-Employed with Chris James.” October 8, 2026, 1 to 3 p.m. ET, on Zoom.

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Resonating Wellness: Exploring Music, Sound, and Well-being facilitated by Michaela Bekenn October 1, 2026 1-2:30 pm ET | 10-11:30 am PT Zoom (FREE) Register here: buff.ly/r3q1c4R ASL interpretation, closed captions, and translated captions available. Recording available to registrants for 14 days.

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Take a moment for yourself. Take a slow breath. Let the sound of the crystal singing bowls wash over you. Breathe IN. Feel the sound. Breathe OUT. Let go of what you're carrying, just for this moment. This practice offers a glimpse into our upcoming workshop.

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Thank you, CITT/ICTS. Your continued support means so much to us and the community. Show them some love in the comments below.

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Your generosity strengthens the community and helps ensure support is available when it's needed most. As a charity that receives no public funding, every gift helps us continue this work. If you'd like to support entertainment workers in times of need, you can donate here: buff.ly/PJHUVLS

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

You can call this a full house of generosity 🎉 Thank you to @citticts for raising $4,000 for The AFC at this year's Swag Bingo Night during the Rendez-vous Conference. We are so grateful to everyone who bought a card, joined the fun, and helped support our work.

Attendees gather for CITT/ICTS Swag Bingo Night at Rendez-vous in support of The AFC.

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We believe this discussion is especially relevant for artists and entertainment professionals across our communities. Thank you to Canadian Artists Network for bringing people together around this important topic. Oct 1 | 12 PM | 1hr | Zoom (free) Register here: buff.ly/qbSQ8T6

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

On October 1, International Day of Older Persons, Dr. Samir Sinha will lead a conversation on The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives. This free event explores aging, health, technology, AI, and the evolving realities facing senior artists today.

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Resonating Wellness: Exploring Music, Sound, and Well-being 🎶 October 1, 2026 1:00-2:30 pm ET | 10:00-11:30 am PT Zoom (FREE) ASL, closed captions & translated captions available Recording provided to all registrants 🔗Register now: buff.ly/r3q1c4R

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

A yoga and meditation guide, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter, they bring a trauma-informed, person-centred, and 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming approach to care. Michaela is passionate about fostering resilience, connection, and well-being through music, mindfulness, movement, and community care.

The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Meet your workshop facilitator Michaela Bekenn (she/they). Michaela is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Certified Music Therapist, and sound therapy practitioner. Photo credit: Rafi Scully

Photo of workshop presenter Michaela Bekenn seated outdoors holding an acoustic guitar, surrounded by flowering trees.

Presenter bio for Michaela Bekenn, a music therapist and psychotherapist, highlighting a trauma-informed, person-centred approach to wellness through music and mindfulness.

Graphic promoting a Mental Wellness Workshop, “Resonating Wellness: Exploring Music, Sound, and Well-being” with Michaela Bekenn, October 1, 2026, on Zoom, with music-themed illustrations.

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📷 Emily Cooper: The Acting Company of The Merry Wives of Windsor The Acting Company of Macbeth KRAGVA in Goblin: Oedipus The Acting Company of Antigone

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Donate Now Join Mailing List

Your generosity helps entertainment industry workers across Canada access vital programs and services during times of financial need. The AFC receives no public funding, so every gift makes a difference. Donate: buff.ly/lxUZ1V3

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Donate Now - AFC

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Through campaigns over eight performances, Bard on the Beach audiences and supporters helped raise more than $14,000 for The AFC. Thank you to the artists, staff, volunteers, and audience members who made this possible.

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The laughter from The Merry Wives of Windsor, the ambition of Macbeth, the daring spirit of Goblin: Oedipus, and the resilience of Antigone all converged this season at Bard on the Beach in an incredible show of commitment to community. 🎭

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Chris will share the same practical tools, systems, and lessons that have helped him navigate self-employment for years. Key Takeaways: Tax deadlines, Tracking income, expenses & receipts, Setting aside money for taxes, RRSPs, TFSAs & FHSAs, Year-round financial habits, a FREE Self-Employed Toolkit.

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Taxes, receipts, expenses, savings. If you're self-employed, it can feel like a full-time job just managing your money. 💸 Join us for Financial Literacy for the Self-Employed, a free virtual workshop led by Chris James, an actor, entrepreneur, and community educator with 20+ yrs of experience.

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Upcoming courses on Zoom: September 24 | 10am–6pm ET / 7am–3pm PT October 15 | 10am–6pm ET / 7am–3pm PT November 16 | 12–8pm ET / 9am–5pm PT Course fee: $240/ participant; subsidized spots are available for each course.

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Looking to learn how to support someone through a crisis or a decline in their mental well-being? The course covers: • Mental health awareness • Understanding stigma and barriers to care • The ALGES action plan • Effective communication techniques • Self-care and support resources

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

It's back-to-school season! Time to learn new, vital skills. 📚 This fall, build your confidence in supporting someone experiencing a mental health decline or crisis with Mental Health First Aid Essentials training from The AFC.

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Visit the link below to learn the warning signs of suicide, what to say, and how to help someone connect with support. Consider Mental Health First Aid training to be better prepared for conversations about mental health and suicide. Please share with someone you care about. ❤️ buff.ly/BCVrx4z

afchelps.ca

Empowering Conversations: Your Guide to Suicide Prevention - AFC

By Christine Rossi-Wright Knowledge is a powerful tool in suicide prevention, and it’s always the right time to equip yourself with potentially life-saving information. In this post, I’ve rounded up…

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

We don’t need to avoid the topic or the word itself, and we don’t need to know exactly what to say. We simply need to listen and be nonjudgmental. Being prepared to have an open, supportive conversation could make a difference - and could save a life.

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

For World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s normalize talking about suicide - not just today or this month, but all year long. Let’s talk about suicide the same way we talk about physical health. Learning the warning signs and how to start a conversation helps us prepare to support someone in crisis.

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

This event will be recorded. Everyone who registers will receive access to the replay for 14 days after the workshop.

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The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

The techniques and suggestions presented in this session are for general information and are not intended to replace medical advice or formal therapy. ASL interpretation, closed captions, and translated captions (35 languages) are available. For additional accommodations, please get in touch.