A recent episode of SBS Insight highlighted the high rates of mental illness within the healthcare industry and the unrelenting pressure felt by doctors and nurses. MHFA Australia offers two specialised courses to meet the specific needs of the industry.
Latest news
Leader in mental health first aid education and national not-for-profit training and research organisation, Mental Health First Aid Australia, welcomes the announcement by the Hon. Greg Hunt MP Minister for Health of funding as part of the National Suicide Prevention, Leadership and Support Program.
Six new MHFA course types, four new Manuals, five new films, six new journal publications, over 100 MHFA skilled workplaces recognised, a total of over two million MHFAiders trained worldwide since the program began and over 500,000 in Australia alone AND a global campaign celebrating mental health first aid. These are just a few of our biggest achievements across 2016, what a busy and productive year it was! Read more in our 2016 Annual Report - out now.
Whilst people often know a lot about common physical health problems, ignorance of mental health is prevalent. Regular first aid courses are widespread, however most of these courses do not address helping with mental health problems. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training aims to fill this gap.
Our activities
MHFA has a network of over 1000 accredited Instructors delivering training in communities and workplaces across Australia . To find a course in your area, use the Course Calendar or Find an Instructor in your area.
Providing flexibility in training, Blended MHFA Courses combine eLearning and a half day of follow-on face-to-face training. Currently available for white-collar workers, tertiary students (free to medical and nursing students). Also available self-paced eLearning only for Pharmacists and Financial Counsellors.
Our intensive week long Instructor Training Courses accredit suitable candidates to become MHFA Instructors who can deliver courses in their community or workplace. MHFA Australia provides ongoing support and professional development to accredited MHFA Instructors.
MHFA offers free information and resources to assist you in supporting someone who is developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. For Guidelines, quick tips and other free materials, see the links under Resources.
The Mental Health First Aid International Manual is most relevant to people living in developed countries, which have established mental health care systems equivalent in standard to those in Australia and where the culture could be described as Western. Available now in the shop.
MHFA is a universal mental health program that has spread to 23 countries around the world.