Mental Health First Aid

This program aims to build the capacity of communities to cope more effectively with mental illness and also be involved in the creation of supportive environments for people who are directly affected by mental illness.

Who is this for?

Mental Health First Aid training is for a variety of audiences across the rural and metropolitan areas, including local councils, members of the general public, consumer and carer advocates, and non-government organisations. The program is suitable for people in the ‘frontline’ who do not have training in mental health, and who are coming into contact with relatives, friends, clients or colleagues who are consumers of mental health services.

About the program

The Mental Health First Aid program was developed in 2001 at the Centre for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm. The program has been found to be effective in improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma and increasing helping behaviours, and it is recognised throughout Australia.

The course is a 12 hour program which is delivered over 2 full days. Depending on the identified needs of the training groups, changes to delivery modes and timings can be negotiated by Relationships Australia (SA) in collaboration with the Mental Health First Aid program developers.

Course content

Mental Health First Aid is the initial help given to someone experiencing a mental health problem before professional help is sought. The course covers helping people in crisis situations and/or in the early stages of mental health problems.

Specific mental health problems covered in the training include: depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and substance misuse, together with recognising and responding to suicidal behaviour. Participants 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. Helping strategies include: medical, psychological, lifestyle and alternative treatments.

A Youth specific version of Mental Health First Aid is available through Relationships Australia (SA) as a 14 hour program focusing on mental health issues affecting young people aged 13 – 18.

Indigenous Mental Health First Aid is also available through Relationships Australia (SA) as a 14 hour program focusing on mental health issues affecting Indigenous Australians.

About the trainers

Relationships Australia (SA) has a variety of workers who are accredited for delivery of Mental Health First Aid training. The trainers bring knowledge and experience in working with mental health issues from a variety of diverse backgrounds, including nursing, psychology, social work, teaching and adult education, counselling, community health, youth work and workforce development.

For more information

Please email your enquiries to the Coordinator Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Prevention Training Programs at Relationships Australia (SA) or call on (08) 8245 8100.