Mental Health First Aid

Workshops available:

Standard Mental Health First Aid Course – 2 days

Blended Online Mental Health First Aid Course – 10 – 12 hours online 

Conversations about Non-Suicidal Self-Injury – 4 hours

Engaging Leaders – MHFA in the workplace – 2 hours

Mental Health First Aid is a 12-hour course (over two days) which is open to the general public. Just like regular first aid it gives you the skills to support someone until they get professional help or the crisis resolves.

The 12-hour Mental Health First Aid course teaches adults (18 years and over) how to provide initial support to adults who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis. The course curriculum is evidence-based, as informed by the MHFA Guidelines.

This course has been widely evaluated in research trials conducted by MHFA Australia and independent organisations. These evaluations consistently show that participants who complete the course have improved knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments, knowledge of appropriate first aid strategies, and confidence in providing first aid to individuals with mental illness, benefits which are maintained over time. Some studies have also shown improved mental health in those who attend the training, decreases in stigmatising attitudes and increases in the amount and type of support provided to others.

Claim CPD Points

Most professionals can claim attendance at a MHFA course for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with their industry body.

The Standard Mental Health First Aid Course has been endorsed for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for a number of professions.

What the Course Covers

Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of the common and disabling mental health problems, how to provide initial help, where and how to get professional help, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.

Developing mental health problems covered are:

• Depression
• Anxiety problems
• Psychosis
• Substance use problems

Mental health crisis situations covered are:

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• Non-suicidal self-injury (sometimes called deliberate self-harm)
• Panic attacks
• Traumatic events
• Severe effects of drug or alcohol use
• Severe psychotic states
• Aggressive behaviours

Conversations about Non-Suicidal Self injury is a 4 hour course that will teach you how to identify, approach and support someone who is engaging in self-injury by using a practical, evidence based Action Plan. You will also have the opportunity to practise your new skills in a safe environment.

The term ‘non-suicidal self injury’ (NSSI) describes a behaviour where a person deliberately or purposefully hurts themselves. It is used to refer to self-injury that is not intended to result in death.