Mental Health First Aid

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course was developed to improve the mental health literacy in the general community and decrease levels of stigma experienced by people with mental health problems and illness.

The training course teaches adults how to provide initial support to people experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health illness. It is an education course, not a therapy or support group and is delivered by a health promotion officer who is an accredited MHFA Australia Instructor. The course is not designed as professional development for clinicians. Go to www.mhfa.com.au for the course outline.

The course is 4 modules each of three hours, and we are flexible about delivery format. Course participants receive a copy of the MHFA manual and a certificate of attendance.

The Sydney Local Health District Health Promotion Unit conducts training. Contact Wei Jiang on Wei.Jiang1@health.nsw.gov.au to register your interest for an upcoming Mental Health First Aid Program.

Useful links:

• Australian Drug Foundation
• Beyond Blue
• Black Dog Institute
• Carer Assist
• Living is for Everyone (LIFE)
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
• NSW Consumer Advisory Group (NSW CAG)
• Reach Out Australia
• SANE Australia
• Schizophrenia Fellowship