Mental Health First Aid Training for Public Sector – August

Overview

With approximately 20% of Australian adults experiencing a common mental illness each year, the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course equips participants with the necessary skills to support a friend, family member, client or colleague until appropriate professional help is available.

Workplaces play a crucial role in supporting the mental wellbeing of their employees. While it is typical for organisations to have physical first aid officers, an increasing number of employers recognise the value of training their staff and designating competent individuals to provide mental health first aid.

Developed in collaboration between mental health professionals and individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, MHFA training equips participants to:

• Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental ill health
• Understand potential causes and risk factors contributing to mental health issues
• Be aware of evidence-based medical, psychological and alternative treatments
• Provide appropriate support to someone experiencing mental ill health
• Gain confidence in acting effectively during crisis situations, such as suicidal behaviour, panic attacks, overdose or psychosis

Mental health problems covered in this training included:

• Depression
• Anxiety problems
• Psychosis
• Substance use problems

Mental health crises covered included:

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• Non-suicidal self-injury
• Panic attacks
• Traumatic events
• Severe psychotic states
• Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use
• Aggressive behaviours

Format

This 12-hour course was delivered over two days.

Why attend Mental Health First Aid Training

Evaluations consistently show that MHFA training is associated with improved knowledge of mental illnesses, their treatments and appropriate first aid strategies, as well as increased confidence in providing first aid to individuals experiencing mental illness. It is also associated with decreased stigma and an increase in the help provided.

Inclusions

The training included:

• 12 hours of facilitation
• 3-year accreditation
• MHFA workbook
• Access to online resources