What is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)?
MHFA means the help provided by any person to another who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The help is provided until professional help is received or until the crisis resolves. This help may be provided by one person or by a range of different people.
Why take a MHFA course?
MHFA training is associated with 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. Research shows that these benefits are sustained 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.
Which course should I take?
MHFA Standard Course: The 12-hour Standard Mental Health First Aid course is for any interested adult. You will learn how to assist an adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves, using a practical, evidence-based action plan. On completion of the course a certificate is issued which needs to be updated every 3 years to keep you up to date with current best practice for mental health. This course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.
MHFA Refresher Course: Refresher courses are 4 hour face-to-face courses that allow people who have previously completed a 12 hour Mental Health First Aid course to refresh their knowledge and skills. For people who are Accredited MHFAiders, the refresher courses offer an opportunity to extend their accreditation for a further 3 years.The content of each refresher course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.
Conversations about Suicide: The 4-hour Mental Health First Aid Conversations about Suicide course is for any interested adult.
You will learn the skills and acquire the knowledge required to safely have a conversation with a suicidal person. This course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.
Background:
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) was started in 2000 by two Australians based in Canberra, Betty Kitchener & Prof. Tony Jorm. Because of their experiences treating patients with mental health problems, as well as the difficulties people have discussing mental health and the judgement placed on those who suffer from mental illnesses, Betty & Tony wanted to increase mental health literacy.
Due to the success of the program in Australia, MHFA programs are now offered in 25 other countries, meeting those countries mental health first aid needs.
Upcoming courses:
All courses can be tailored for specific industries or groups to be certain that those workplaces needs are met and strategies in-line with that industry.
For more information about the courses contact Wendy or look at upcoming courses and on the MHFA website:
MHFA website: https://mhfa.com.au/courses/public
Contact Wendy: wendy@wellnessrocks.com.au
Telephone: 0411 393 36
