Why Mental Health First Aid?

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.

Mental Health literacy 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.

What does the course involve?

MHFA is a standard qualification for some industries and workplaces. The course takes 2 consecutive days or 4 evenigns to complete, a manual is supplied for you and on completion, a certificate is issued. Much like a general first aid qualification it needs to be updated every 3 years to keep you up to date with current best practice for mental health.
The classes can be tailored for specific industries or groups to be certain that those workplaces needs are met and strategies in-line with that industry.   Call for more information 

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.

Courses are run throughout the year at various venues.  Please call Maxine for more information or fill in the contact form below: