Standard Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training
An intensive training course that equips adults with the knowledge and skills, to deliver Standard MHFA courses to other adults.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Improve outcomes for adults experiencing mental health problems.
IMPROVE THE CAPACITY FOR COMMUNITY CARE
Equip adults with the skills needed to intervene early and offer support when it matters most.
ENHANCE YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Strengthen your knowledge, communication skills and crisis intervention techniques.
JOIN A GLOBAL MOVEMENT
Contribute to improving mental health, reducing stigma and creating a more compassionate and informed society.
The Standard Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training Course trains suitable individuals to become a Licensed Standard MHFA Instructor. It empowers individuals to educate others about mental health, reduce stigma and promote early intervention and support for people experiencing mental health problems.
Course participants learn about key statistics and the evidence that underpins the delivery of Standard MHFA training. With a focus on facilitation, they learn a comprehensive set of skills to effectively teach others how to apply mental health first aid.
Course participants also learn instructional techniques and strategies to deliver Standard MHFA training to diverse audiences. This includes the use of teaching materials, facilitating discussions, managing group activities and application of the MHFA practical, evidence-based action plan.
Adults who successfully complete the course become Licensed Mental Health First Aid Instructors. Licensed Instructors can work as independent licensees, delivering Standard MHFA courses in workplaces and communities, or they may be employed by an organisation to deliver training to their colleagues or other individuals supported by the organisation.
Watch this short video to learn more about our course.
Course information
Delivery format
Face-to-Face
Duration
5 days
Take the next step
For individuals or smaller groups
For larger groups
Course Overview
Course participants review Standard MHFA course content and learn how to approach the material as an Instructor. Participants are guided through the course material and learn how to effectively debrief following course activities, films and discussions.
Participants learn about mental health statistics and further develop their own mental health literacy. They engage in skill-based facilitation activities and are introduced to the administrative systems which support their course management and Instructor journey.
The course includes two assessment activities: an exam component and presenting a section of the course to the group.
Duration & Format
This course is delivered face-to-face over 5 days by an MHFA Master Trainer.
There are two training delivery options available:
- Public Instructor Training Courses: Available for individuals and groups smaller than 10
- Private Instructor Training Courses: Available for groups larger than 10
Eligibility
Licensed Instructors are not required to be mental health professionals, nor to have qualifications in mental health.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they meet the following selection criteria:
- Be a current Accredited Standard or Youth MHFAider
- Knowledge of mental health problems, their treatments and support services
- Personal or professional experience supporting people with mental illnesses
- Respectful attitudes towards people with mental health problems
- Enthusiasm to deliver MHFA courses
- Excellent group facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills
- Individual acknowledgement of license maintenance requirements or organisational support to deliver MHFA courses
- Hold a valid Working with Children Check from their state/territory of residence
Application Process
Applicants for both public and private courses must complete an online application at least 4 weeks prior to the commencement of the training and demonstrate how they meet the selection criteria, including specific examples where required.
Applications will be reviewed against our stated eligibility criteria.
Once provisionally approved, applicants will need to submit a Working with Children Check and complete payment.
Note: We reserve the right to reject any individual application at our sole discretion. An accepted application for one license type does not guarantee acceptance or suitability for other license types.
I felt like I was strengthened and encouraged and empowered to deliver this course to anyone. I grew in confidence and appreciated how the Instructor delivered the training in a very engaging way. My needs and expectations were exceeded.
Excellent presentation. Tips given were very clear and informative. I felt very supported and confident to begin my new role as a MHFA Instructor.
I thought the course was excellent. I enjoyed the Instructor’s personal stories and insights that brought the material to life. The timing of the sessions was good, and well broken up into information sessions, activities and films.
