MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

ACCREDITED TRAINING AVAILABLE now IN THE RIVERINA

If you would like to arrange Mental Health First Aid training either for yourself, community group or workplace, please call Chelsea on 0400 413 948

or email us your contact details to matekeeper@ruraloutreach.com.au

LISTEN. CONNECT. SUPPORT

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 – this makes mental health everybody’s business and demonstrates the need for community-led models of care that empower individuals where they live, work and play.

This is where Mental Health First Aiders can help.

The Standard Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how to provide initial support to another adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adults, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem and the treatments and supports available.

Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, course participants learn how to approach someone they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to encourage the person to seek professional help or other supports.

Adults who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most.

This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program.

WHAT IS A MENTAL HEALTH FIRSTAIDER?

Mental Health First Aiders, or MHFAiders, are people who have completed a Mental Health First Aid course. They are equipped with the practical skills and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.

MHFAiders play a vital role in reducing stigma and promoting pathways to support for those experiencing mental health problems in our workplaces, communities, schools, and tertiary institutions. MHFAiders have the practical skills and knowledge to: 

MAINTAIN THE VALUES AND QUALITIES OF THE ROLE

Understand the importance of confidentiality and non-judgemental listening.

PROVIDE INITIAL SUPPORT TO PEOPLE

Use an evidence-based action plan to provide mental health first aid.

PROMOTE PATHWAYS TO SUPPORT

Help guide others to appropriate professional help or other supports.

CONTRIBUTE TO STIGMA REDUCTION

Reduce stigma to encourage pathways to professional support.

MAINTAIN BOUNDARIES IN THEIR MHFAIDER ROLE

MHFAiders are not therapists or counsellors, nor can they diagnose mental illnesses.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

Understand the importance of self-care when supporting others.

WHY CHOOSE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

Evidence-based: All Mental Health First Aid courses are based on guidelines that are informed by people with lived experience, their caregivers, and mental health professionals.

Rigorously evaluated: Evaluations consistently show that Mental Health First Aid training improves participants’ knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments, and confidence in providing mental health first aid to individuals.

Skills-based: Teaches the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a difference.

Internationally recognised: Over 6 million people trained in Mental Health First Aid across 25 countries.

learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course participants will be able to: 

  • Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in adults 

  • Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation 

  • Know the barriers to help-seeking and how to overcome these 

  • Assess for a range of crisis situations and provide initial support 

  • Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses, risk factors and treatments and supports available 

  • Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider 

Course content

This course covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. Participants learn how to apply mental health first aid to adults across a range of situations, including:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Psychosis

  • Substance use problems

  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviours

  • Panic attacks

  • Non-suicidal self-injury

  • Traumatic events

duration & format

Face-to-face: 2 x 6-hour sessions over 2 days

All sessions are led by an MHFA trained and Licensed Instructor.

accreditation

You can complete the short assessment at the end of a course to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider).

Accreditations are valid for 3 years.