AUDIENCE: Staff (all levels) and leaders
TIME: 12 HOURS (two days) – either consecutive or non consecutive
DELIVERY MODE: Face-to-face training is available either through private in-house sessions for companies or schools, or at public events open to the general public.
KEY FOCUS: Mental health/illness awareness and literacy, early intervention, supportive communication, crisis intervention, empathy, stigma reduction, help-seeking, referral skills, de-escalation techniques, suicide prevention, coping mechanisms, resilience-building, leadership, empowerment
OVERVIEW
Annually, one in five Australian adults experience a common mental illness, significantly impacting workplace productivity, morale, and engagement. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 44, highlighting the urgent need for proactive mental health strategies in the workplace. Implementing such measures not only saves lives but also enhances overall business performance by creating a supportive environment that fosters both professional and personal wellbeing.
The Standard Mental Health First Aid Course
This course teaches participants how to provide immediate support to adults experiencing a mental health problem or crisis until professional help arrives or the situation stabilizes.
Engaging, Interactive, and Impactful — focused on practical outcomes and real-world applications — this course enables participants to:
- RECOGNISE & RESPOND: Identify signs and symptoms of common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance use disorders. Learn to initiate a mental health conversation using a compassionate, informed, and legally appropriate approach.
- PRACTICAL SKILLS: Utilize an evidence-based action plan to offer initial support and provide essential information, while understanding barriers to help-seeking and strategies to overcome them.
- CRISIS MANAGEMENT: Assess and respond to crisis situations including suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury, panic attacks, traumatic events, and severe states induced by drug or alcohol use.
- PROFESSIONAL REFERRAL: Encourage individuals to seek professional help and additional support, reinforcing the role of professional intervention.
Participants will become certified Mental Health First Aiders, equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to offer essential mental health information and support during critical times. By empowering your team with these vital skills, your organization can foster a more supportive, responsive, and caring workplace environment, enhancing overall wellbeing and productivity.
**Important: This course is designed for educational purposes and is not intended to serve as counseling, therapy, or a support group.**