Mental Health First Aid Short Course

Just like First Aid training for physical injuries and incidents, Mental Health First Aid 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.

Many people feel uncomfortable and unprepared when thinking about starting a mental health conversation with someone they are concerned about. Understanding how to talk about mental health and having the confidence and knowledge to help someone in need are important skills that any person in the community can learn. In this informative and practical course, you will learn about the signs and symptoms of common and disabling mental health problems in adults, how to provide initial help, where and how to get professional help, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide mental health first aid in a crisis situation using a practical, evidence-based Action Plan.

The Mental Health First Aid Australia (MHFAA) blended on-line community course (Component 1) has been adapted from the Standard Mental Health First Aid course for adults.

The Swinburne course (Component 2) is delivered by accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructors:

Anita Mahoney

Anita's professional and real life experiences bring vibrancy to her training sessions, ensuring you leave well informed and enlivened. She is an engaging presenter who has been recognized for her strong communication skills. As an experienced motivational speaker she is able to adapt her communication style to reflect the needs of any audience.

Anita has a strong commitment to see change in the areas of family violence and mental health. She works as a Trainer and Assessor in Certificate IV Mental Health at Swinburne, and is currently trained in the NDIS to help support better understanding of psychosocial disabilities.

Anita holds a Bachelor Behavioural Studies (Psychology), as well as Diplomas in Counselling and Youth Work. Her work history includes ten years in wellbeing studies within the public education system, and after working within a women’s refuge for five years she is now a board member.

Andrew Cookson

Andrew is a Master Instructor in Mental Health First Aid, having delivered over 100 programs to students, organisations, workplaces, and the general public.

Andrew has many years experience as a crisis telephone counsellor, teacher, mental health worker, peer educator in mental health and support group leader.

Andrew brings to his sessions not only extensive study in multiple areas of psychology and other sciences, but also lived experience, and the knowledge of how to use it. Expect an enjoyable educational experience, covering content that can be heavy at times, also marked by appropriate lighter moments, as part of Andrew’s natural warm and engaging teaching style.

On successful completion of the prerequisite eLearning component, live on-line sessions and assessment, a MHFAA Certificate valid for three years will be issued.

Upon completion of the program you will:

• Have a greater knowledge of mental illnesses
• Understand the principles of crisis intervention
• Know where to go for help
• Have appropriate first aid strategies
• Understand Duty of Care
• Gain confidence in providing first aid to individuals with mental illness
• Gain knowledge to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness
• Gain skills in principles of self-care.