Standard Mental Health First Aid

Service Description

The Standard MHFA course equips adults with the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a friend, family member, co-worker, or another adult, experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis. Intervene Early - Recognise the warning signs of mental health problems in other adults. Offer Support - Learn the skills to have an open, supportive conversation about mental health. Respond in a Crisis - Respond across a range of crisis situations where an adult may be at risk of harm. Reduce Stigma - Reduce stigma and increase support for adults experiencing and living with mental health problems. The Standard Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how to provide initial support to another adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves. Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adults, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem and the treatments and supports available. Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, course participants learn how to approach someone they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to encourage the person to seek professional help or other supports. Adults who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most. Standard Mental Health First Aid courses delivered in blended formats include some eLearning materials tailored to either workplaces or community settings. Participants can select their preferred setting when organising Blended Online or Blended Face-to-Face delivery of this course. This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program. This course made possibly through the Wollondilly Council Community Grants Program.