Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Course

Promoting Mental Health Awareness

What is Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a world recognised course which teaches participants how to assist people who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis, until appropriate professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.
 
Given the increased pressures on mental wellness due to the current pandemic this course, although not focusing specifically on COVID-19 offers participants the opportunity to be of greater support and encouragement during this difficult time.
 
Courses are delivered by an Accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
 
What will I learn?
You will learn how to assist an adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves, using a practical, evidence-based action plan.
 
This course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and mental health professional’s expert in their field.
 
What does the course cover?
The course is delivered in two components:
Component 1 – A self-paced eLearning component (takes 5-7 hours to complete)
o Depression
o Anxiety problems
o Psychosis
o Substance use problem
o Mental health crises covers:
o Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
o Non-suicidal self-injury
o Panic attacks
o Traumatic events
o Severe effects of alcohol or other drug use
o Severe psychotic states
o Aggressive behaviours
 
Component 2 – Once component 1 of the course is completed participants attend 2 online Instructor-led sessions using video conferencing (2 sessions of 2.5 hours each including set up time) which provides participants with the opportunity to:
o Revise the eLearning content and the MHFA Action Plan
o Clarify any points of uncertainty remaining after completion of the eLearning modules
o Apply the MHFA Action Plan to relevant scenarios
o Discuss and reflect ‘a where to from now’ in using mental health first aid skills
o Develop a self-care plan to maintain good mental health.
 
How much will this course cost to attend?
This Project is supported by a government Community Grant Program and so is offered free to all participants.
Conditional to attending the course is a firm commitment by all participants to keep to all agreed timelines and complete the online course.
 
We have funding for 100 places and places are strictly on a first come first serve basis. Each group is limited to 12 participants.
 
This course is open to Manningham residents only.
 
How and when will it be delivered
The course will be delivered completely online in two components:
Course Component 1 – A self-paced eLearning component (takes 5-7 hours to complete)
Course Component 2 – An Instructor-led component using video conferencing (2 sessions of 2.5 hours each including set up time).
 
Participants will have three weeks to complete component 1 (this gives time for you to receive your textbook by post) and the following week (week four) you will attend the online sessions.
 
Participants can only attend component 2 once Course Component 1 is completed. Sessions 2 of course component will be delivered in the evenings (6:30 – 9pm) and you will require the use of a computer with a camera for zoom.
 
Register your interest by checking on the schedule of delivery below.
 
You will receive an email from Neal Murphy your MHFA facilitator and closer to the time of the commencement of component one of the course you will receive a further email email from Neal who will direct you how to register with MHFA blended online course. For now, what is important is that you register your interest.
 
For further enquiries please contact nealmurphy@thatspeaksofpeace.com.au