1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental health problem in any given year. That means that every person is likely to know someone who is experiencing a mental health problem, whether that is a family member, a friend or colleague. In fact, mental illness is now said to affect every Australian either directly or indirectly.

We need more mental health literacy and support skills in the community to help catch more Australians experiencing mental health problems and troubled times.

This is where Mental Health First Aid training can help.

Mental Health First Aid skills based, early-intervention training programs mobilise and empower communities by equipping people with the knowledge and confidence to recognise, connect and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.

Anyone can have a conversation that may save a life. Everyone should know how.

This Mental Health First Aid course will teach you how to provide initial support to friends, family, co-workers or the community who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves, using a practical, evidence-based Action Plan. It is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.

Topics covered:

Mental health problems including;

• Depression and anxiety

• Psychosis

• Substance use problems

Mental health crises including;

• Suicidal thoughts & behaviours

• Panic attacks

• Traumatic events

• Severe psychotic state

• Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use

• Aggressive behaviours

Includes tea, coffee, morning tea, lunch, and course materials.

Upon completion of the 2-day course, participants have the option to complete an online assessment to become an accredited Mental Health First Aid Officer.

Who Should Attend

Anyone within your organisation can attend the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA™) course. This course would benefit:

• Health and Safety Adviors

• Leadership Team (Senior Managers, Superintendents, Supervisors)

• Workplace Safety and Health Representatives

• Employees

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training meets the NSW Resources Regulator guidelines for the Maintenance of Competence for Practicing Certificates section 7.3 and 7.4.1 - Formal Learning. Upon the completion of the 12-hour course, you will be issued with a certificate to maintain your logbook.

MHFA in Your Workplace

If you would like an in-house course in your workplace and have 6 or more participants, please contact me to arrange suitable dates for your workplace.

Recognising your Commitment to Mental Health Training in the Workplace

The Mental Health First Aid® Workplace Recognition Program celebrates organisations across Australia who invest in developing mental health first aid skills in their people and acknowledges their achievement and commitment to embedding MHFA training into their organisation’s culture; through actions like senior leadership support, relevant policies, supporting Mental Health First Aid Officers and continuous improvement.

The Mental Health First Aid Workplace Recognition Program attracts organisations – both big and small – across a range of different industries. Participating workplaces report that being recognised through the program, improves corporate reputation and culture and contributes to employees valuing the role and skills of Mental Health First Aiders® in their workplace.

Workplaces are assessed based on the percentage of staff trained, the successful implementation of actions in the workplace to support mental health first aid and the duration at each tier of recognition.

There are three recognition tiers:

• Skilled Workplace.

• Advanced Workplace.

• Master Workplace

Please visit https://mhfa.com.au/workplacerecognition to find out more about the Mental Health First Aid® Workplace Recognition Program.

The following workplaces are recognised and celebrated as not only investing in the development of mental health first aid skills in their people, but also showing a strong commitment to embedding the program into their organisation's culture. https://mhfa.com.au/recognised-workplaces