Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

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Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

Learn how to identify and appropriately support someone who may be experiencing a mental health concern or mental health crisis.

Mental Health First Aid is the help given to someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves. The standard Mental Health First Aid course is based on the international MHFA Guidelines. These guidelines were developed using consensus of mental health consumers, carers and professionals from English-speaking developed countries.

Mental health problems covered:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Psychosis
• Substance use problems

Mental health crisis covered:

• 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

Participants will learn the signs and symptoms of these mental health problems, where and how to get help and what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective.

Any interested adult can attend. This course is not a therapy or support group, rather it is an education course. All instructors of this course are trained by Mental Health First Aid Australia. The training is delivered by qualified, experienced Lifeline Mental Health First Aid trainers. Participants receive a certificate of completion at the end of day two.

How it works

Format: Two-day face-to-face workshop with a qualified Lifeline trainer.

Resources: Comprehensive MHFA booklet.

Outcome: Participants Participants acquire comprehensive knowledge and skills in how to assist someone who may be experiencing mental health issues and learn how to administer mental health first aid. MHFA is evidence-based, evaluated training developed by Mental Health First Aid Australia and delivered to over 22 countries.