Instructor Training Information

Brochures

Intensive training courses are available to train suitable people to become instructors. For more information, download the PDF versions of our brochures.

Testimonials

Standard MHFA Instructor Training
"I have never sat through five days of education with such a level of attentiveness. The balance of teacher-participants was excellent, and the exemplars and demonstrations of education in action stimulating. The quality of the resources provided is outstanding. Thankyou. I look forward to continued involvement with MHFA."
Tony Hoare, May 2004

Youth MHFA Instructor Training
"I really enjoyed the course and felt that the trainers created an open and warm environment which enabled a great exchange of ideas and subsequent learning. I felt very privileged to be part of a small group which allowed valuable discussion. The trainers are obviously passionate about their roles, education and improving mental health literacy.”
Tania Lewis, Sep 2008

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander MHFA Instructor Training
"I have been an Aboriginal Mental Health Worker for at least 5 yrs. I completed the MHFA training last week, and was very much encouraged by the course. I know that mental health first aid is really one of the keys into healing, certainly early intervention. The course content upskilled my understanding and knowledge and gave me a valuable insight into the impacts of mental illness. Just like the St Johns First Aid course I completed last year, if our people have a lot more insight into these illnessess, the process of treatment would be beneficial to all."
Craig Brown, Aboriginal Mental Health Worker NSW. Feb 2007

Who can apply to become a MHFA Instructor?

There are eight essential selection criteria that need to be met:

Good knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatment
Personal or professional experience with people with mental illnesses
Favourable attitudes towards people with mental illness
Enthusiasm to deliver MHFA courses
Good teaching and communication skills
Good background knowledge of mental health services
Good interpersonal skills
Good business plan or organisational support to conduct MHFA courses

How can I become a MHFA Instructor?

There are six steps to becoming an accredited MHFA Instructor:

Select the course you wish to attend."Click here" for upcoming Instructor courses
Complete and send in a MHFA Instructor Training Course application. "Click here" for applications
Confirm your place by returning your completed registration and payment form, which will be sent to you if your application is approved.
Sign and return an acknowledgement of the copyright materials and standardisation of the MHFA Program, which will be sent to you if your application is approved.
At the training, you will be re-assessed as suitable by two trainers of instructors at the end of day 3 of the Instructor Training Course. This assessement is based on observation of your communication skills, knowledge and attitudes.
To give a successful presentation on a section of the MHFA course on the Friday (last day of the course). You will be informed of your topic on Tuesday at the course.

*See below for course fees and cancellation policy

To retain annual instructor accreditation, instructors are required to teach a minimum of 3 MHFA courses per 12 months anniversary from their initial instructor training date. Instructors are also expected to attend the annual MHFA Instructor Conference, when possible.

If accreditation is lost, instructors need to enrol in the first 3 days of a MHFA Instructor Training Course. The cost to attend is $550, the fee includes current teaching notes & course CD/DVD compilation. A registration form for lapsed instructors can be obtained upon request from mhfa@mhfa.com.au

How do I apply for a MHFA Instructor Training Course?

After choosing the course you wish to attend, please complete the appropriate application and follow the instructions on this form. To view current Instructor Training courses and apply online "Click here" .

Important note 1: We are not able to hold a place in an Instructor Training Course for a potential applicant before receiving their application.
Important note 2: If an organisation wishes to put in a number of applications at one time, please contact the MHFA Program (mhfa@mhfa.com.au) to obtain a coded application form and procedures.

Cost and what it includes

$3,500 per person for 5-day Standard, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander MHFA Instructor Training courses
$3,900 per person for 5.5-day Youth MHFA Instructor Training courses

This fee covers tuition, catering, ongoing support from the MHFA team and the MHFA Instructor's Kit. The kit contains the MHFA teaching materials such as a CD with PowerPoint slides, a DVD with film clips, teaching notes and resources folders. Informative pamphlets, books and fact sheets are also included.

Should you not be successful in becoming an accredited MHFA Instructor, there will be a fee of $800 for your attendance, teaching and catering for the course. You will not be able to keep the MHFA Instructor Kit.

Fees are due within 10 working days of acceptance into the Instructor training course.

Cancellation Policy
Fees, minus a cancellation fee*. are able to be refunded if an applicant is able to notify us of their cancellation to attend a MHFA Instructor Training Course.

*A cancellation fee of $250 applies to all notifications given prior to 4 weeks of the commencement of the MHFA course.

*A cancellation fee of $500 applies to all notifications given within 4 weeks of the commencement of the MHFA course.

Last updated 5 February 2010

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

About the Program