Mental Health First Aid Training: Why You Should Consider It For Your Workplace

June 20, 2024

Matthew Simons - BPsych (Hons)

ADA Australia has recently conducted the accredited 12-hour Standard Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course for a group of ETU Victoria members. The training was conducted out of The Centre for U, an initiative of the Electrical Trades Union Victoria.

The two-day MHFA course is led by our licenced MHFA instructors (the same familiar faces from ADA Australia’s training team) and provides participants with practical first aid skills when assisting someone experiencing mental health problems or in a mental health crisis – whether co-worker, family member or others.

It also includes training on how to approach someone (who may be showing signs of mental illness, distress or psychological injury) to best engage them, gain their confidence and get a safe conversation going.

The course equips participants with a practical evidence-based action plan to recognise when an individual needs support, to respond appropriately, and to provide that support until professional help is available or the crisis resolves.

Participants completing this accredited training, and the assessment criteria, receive a recognised Certificate of Accreditation in Mental Health First Aid.

A Mental Health First Aid course can assist in improving awareness of mental illness, of the signs and behaviours indicating a person might need support, and helping your workplace protect psychological health by promoting help-seeking and a supportive culture.

Evaluations have shown that MHFA training improves a participant’s knowledge of mental illnesses, of treatments and appropriate first aid strategies, and confidence in providing first aid in these circumstances. They have also been shown to decrease stigma and increase help-seeking behaviours.

So, why not talk to us to book this important training for your people?

If you’d like to learn more about our Standard Mental Health First Aid course, or any of the other training programs we offer, please call ADA Australia on 1300 378 429, or email: enquiry@adaaus.com.au

Article by
Matthew Simons - BPsych (Hons)