Each year 1 in 5 Australian adults experience common mental health challenges. Early signs of mental health challenges can also be seen in children. Adolescents often experience challenging environments which can trigger mental health challenges. Aside from early detection and treatment, individuals experiencing distress should be given mental health first aid by people closest to them; early intervention can help to stop an episode or prevent it from further developing.
Being equipped with first aid skills specifically designed to meet the needs of people experiencing mental health challenges will enable you to support a friend, family member or co-worker, if they are showing signs of mental ill-health or are in a state of crisis. That is why at HelpingMinds, we offer accredited mental health first aid courses for carers, family and friends as well as anyone willing to support people with mental health challenges.
You can make a real difference in a person’s life – you could even save their life.
This program has been licensed by organisations all over the world. Over 2.6 million people have been trained, with tens of thousands becoming a First Aid-Responder every year.
What is the Mental Health First Aid course?
The Mental Health First Aid Course is designed to educate and help family, friends and carers of people with mental health challenges. In this program, you will learn how to assist someone who may be experiencing a challenge or be in a state of crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves, using a practical, evidence-based action plan.
This course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of
professionals and people with lived experiences of mental health challenges.
You will learn about:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Non-suicidal self-injury
- Panic attacks
- Traumatic events
- Severe psychotic states
- Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use
- Aggressive behaviours
Course format and cost
The Blended Online course is delivered as two components.
Component 1: A self-paced interactive eLearning course of 5-7 hours that presents an overview of mental health problems and mental health crises.
Component 2: Two instructor-led video conferencing sessions of 2.5 hours. Provides an opportunity for participants to revise and consolidate content covered in the first component and develop practical skills in an online group environment.
Cost: $220 (incl. GST) per participant
Who can attend: Adults aged 18 years and over.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) course teaches adults how to provide First Aid to adolescents.
Mental illnesses often start in adolescence or early adulthood and it is important to detect problems early to ensure the young person is properly treated and supported. The YMHFA course teaches adults who have frequent contact with adolescents, such as parents, guardians, school staff, sports coaches and youth workers, how to assist adolescents who are developing or experiencing worsening mental health problems.
Course format and cost
Course format: This is a 14-hour course. The delivery format is flexible. Course participants receive a copy of the YMHFA Manual to keep and are eligible to become an accredited First Aid Responder for mental health issues.
Cost: Available upon request
Who can attend: Any interested adult, particularly those who work or live with young people.
