MENTAL HEALTH PROTECT™
Free training to support veteran mental health
A range of fully funded flexible training programs to support the veteran community to assist others in mental health and suicide prevention.
The Mental Health Literacy and Suicide Prevention Training Program has been funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Be the first line of support
Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to support veterans experiencing mental health problems or crises through free Mental Health First Aid and LivingWorks courses.
Protecting our veterans’ mental health
This program is open to all members of the veteran community, including
- Veterans who are ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel
- Families, friends, carers, employers, and colleagues of ex-serving and current ADF personnel
- Health care professionals and community members supporting veterans and their families
- Current serving ADF personnel.
Together, we can create a broader network of support for the over half a million Australians who have served or are currently serving.
Program flyer
Download the flyer to learn more about this range of fully funded flexible training programs and see detailed information about the available courses, including different delivery formats and their benefits.
Resource list of support services
Download our comprehensive directory of crisis and support services for individuals experiencing mental health issues. It includes national crisis helplines, veteran-specific services, state and territory-funded mental health support, and resources for various mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance use, and disordered eating.
Download our Stakeholder Pack
This pack has been created to help ex-service organisations (ESOs) and other stakeholders promote fully funded mental health literacy and suicide prevention training programs to their members and the broader veteran community.
Increased risk of suicide in ex-serving males
Ex-serving males are 26% more likely to die by suicide than the general Australian male population.
Increased risk of suicide in ex-serving females
Ex-serving females are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than the general Australian female population
Almost 3 in 4
Almost 3 in 4 Transitioned ADF members have had a mental health disorder at some stage during their lifetime
Courses from Mental Health First Aid Australia
The Standard Mental Health First Aid course for the veteran community, facilitated by Licensed Instructors within the veteran community, can be delivered in one of three ways.
Standard MHFA Face-to-Face
For the veteran community
- Format: Face-to-Face
- Duration: 12 hours
Learn how to provide initial support to a peer or other adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
The Face-to-Face delivery is composed of 2 x 6-hour sessions over 2 days.
Standard MHFA Blended Face-to-Face
For the veteran community
- Format: Blended Face-to-Face
- Duration: 12 hours
Learn how to provide initial support to a peer or other adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
The Blended Face-to-Face delivery is composed of self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by a 4-hour face-to-face session.
Standard MHFA Blended Online
For the veteran community
- Format: Blended Online
- Duration: 12 hours
Learn how to provide initial support to a peer or other adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
The Blended Online delivery is composed of self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by 2 x 2.5-hour video conferencing sessions.
Click to view scheduled courses:
Face to Face courses
September:
20-21 September SA – Port Augusta
25-26 September – VIC – Melbourne (Almost Full)
October:
2-3 October – NSW – Sydney
11-12 October – TAS – Launceston
30-31 October – NT – Palmerston
November:
4-5 November – ACT – Canberra
20-21 November – QLD – Brisbane
Click to view scheduled courses:
Blended Face to Face courses
September 2024:
7 September – NT – Darwin
18 September – WA – Perth
23 September – ACT – Canberra. 24 September – VIC – Sale
27 September – SA – Adelaide
October 2024:
17 October – QLD – Brisbane
26 October – NSW – Wollongong
29 October– TAS – Hobart
November 2024:
1 November – SA – Adelaide
6 November – WA – Perth
14 November – NT – Katherine
22 November – SA – Mount Gambier
26 November – VIC – Melbourne
December 2024:
2 December – SA Adelaide
5 December – WA – Perth
10 December – NT Darwin
13 December – VIC – Bendigo
Click to view scheduled courses:
Blended Online courses
September: All online
6 September
8 September
11 September
14 September
17 September
22 September
26 September
28 September
October: All online
1 October
6 October
9 October
12 October
17 October
19 October
22 October
27 October
31 October
November: All online
3 November
5 November
9 November
13 November
17 November
19 November
23 November
28 November
December: All online
1 December
4 December
7 December
12 December
15 December
Please note: New courses will be added soon, please check back for the latest additions.
Group/Private bookings
If you would like to enquire about how to book for a specific group of people or a private booking for your organisation, please contact us on protect@mhfa.com.au with the heading “Group Booking” with a designated team leader to act as liaison.
**Please note minimum participant numbers and prior approval will be required as places are strictly limited under Mental Health Protect Program funding.
Download the Mental Health First Aid flyer
Download the course flyer for more information on learning outcomes, course content and more.
Courses from LivingWorks
Choose from three different courses: Start, safeTALK and ASIST.
Start
- Format: Online
- Duration: 90 minutes
LivingWorks Start equips participants with fundamental skills to recognise when someone may be thinking about suicide and how to connect them with the necessary help and support. It is also available in French and Spanish!
Register your details and commence online training
safeTALK
- Format: In-Person
- Duration: 3-4 hours
LivingWorks safeTALK empowers people to be more alert to someone with thoughts of suicide and better able to connect them with further help. With over 120,000 participants annually, it is the world’s fastest-growing suicide prevention skills training course.
Click to view and register for safeTALK courses:
October 2024:
7 Oct – VIC Melbourne Register here >
11 Oct – ACT Canberra Register here >
16 Oct – SA Adelaide Register here >
24 Oct – QLD regional, Townsville Register here >
November 2024:
12 Nov – NSW Sydney Register here >
23 Nov – TAS Hobart Register here >
29 Nov – WA Perth Register here >
December 2024:
8 Dec – WA Regional -Bunbury Register here >
11 Dec – NSW Regional -Tamworth Register here >
ASIST
- Format: In-Person
- Duration: 2 days
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Prevention Skills Training (ASIST) is globally acclaimed as the leader in suicide intervention training. Endorsed by professionals and approved by the World Health Organization, ASIST is accessible to everyone and stands as the most evidence-based workshop of its kind. It represents the gold standard in Suicide First Aid with Safety Planning.
Click to view and register for ASIST courses:
October 2024:
18 Oct NT – Darwin Register here >
November 2024:
7 Nov VIC – Melbourne Register here >
25 Nov VIC – Adelaide Register here >
December 2024:
4 Dec NSW – Sydney Register here >
Please note: New courses will be added soon, please check back for the latest additions.
Group/Private bookings
If you would like to enquire about how to book for a specific group of people or a private booking for your organisation, please contact us on protect@mhfa.com.au with the heading “Group Booking” with a designated team leader to act as liaison.
**Please note minimum participant numbers and prior approval will be required as places are strictly limited under Mental Health Protect Program funding.
General FAQs
What does the program include?
The program includes evidence-based courses from Mental Health First Aid International and LivingWorks, focusing on mental health literacy and suicide prevention.
The program includes:
|
Course |
Mode |
Duration |
Outline |
|
Standard Mental Health First Aid for the veteran community |
Available in:
|
12 hours |
The Standard Mental Health First Aid course for the veteran community teaches how to provide initial support to another adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves. |
|
LivingWorks Start |
Online |
90 minutes |
LivingWorks Start equips participants with fundamental skills to recognise when someone may be thinking about suicide and how to connect them with the necessary help and support. It is also available in French and Spanish. |
|
LivingWorks safeTALK |
Face-to-face |
3-4 hours |
LivingWorks safeTALK empowers people to be more alert to someone with thoughts of suicide and better able to connect them with further help. With over 120,000 participants annually, it is the world’s fastest-growing suicide prevention skills training course. |
|
LivingWorks ASIST
|
Face-to-face
|
2 days |
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Prevention Skills Training (ASIST) is globally acclaimed as the leader in suicide intervention training. Endorsed by professionals and approved by the World Health Organization, ASIST is accessible to everyone and stands as the most evidence-based workshop of its kind. It represents the gold standard in Suicide First Aid with Safety Planning. |
Who can participate in this program?
The Mental Health ProtectTM program is open to adults over 18 years of age who are veterans or ex–serving or current members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), their families, employers, colleagues, carers and community members supporting them, including ex-service organisations, healthcare providers, and support personnel.
Who is this program funded by? Why is this program being funded?
This program is funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) on behalf of the Australian Government. Prevention of veteran suicide is a key priority for the Australian Government, with research showing that certain cohorts of veterans have a significantly higher risk of death by suicide than their civilian peers. The DVA has appointed Mental Health First Aid International to deliver the program of training in conjunction with LivingWorks.
Mental Health First Aid International and LivingWorks courses provide the veteran community with the skills and knowledge needed to recognise signs and symptoms of mental health problems and those at risk of suicide, provide support and intervention, and enable the connection to mental health services. Increased education also helps to reduce the stigma around mental health and suicide that can discourage veterans and their families from connecting with available supports. This is essential in reducing the incidence of suicide within the veteran population.
The veteran community, including ex-service organisations, veterans, families, caregivers and friends, play an important role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of veterans. These groups may be the first point of contact for a veteran who is experiencing mental health problems, distress or suicidal ideation.
Why is mental health literacy and suicide prevention important for veterans?
Veterans face unique challenges that significantly increase their risk of psychological distress and suicide compared to the general public in Australia. Almost 3 in 4 transitioned ADF members have had a mental health disorder at some stage during their lifetime. Ex-serving males are 26% more likely to die by suicide than the general Australian male population, and ex-serving females are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than the general Australian female population.
Veterans often deal with the aftermath of their service, including trauma, stress and the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life. The Mental Health Protect program is designed to provide veterans, their families and support networks with the necessary information, resources, and support to navigate these challenges, ultimately aiming to save lives and improve the quality of life for our veterans.
What does the program include?
The program includes evidence-based courses from Mental Health First Aid International and LivingWorks, focusing on mental health literacy and suicide prevention.
The program includes:
|
Course |
Mode |
Duration |
Outline |
|
Standard Mental Health First Aid for the veteran community |
Available in:
|
12 hours |
The Standard Mental Health First Aid course for the veteran community teaches how to provide initial support to another adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves. |
|
LivingWorks Start |
Online |
90 minutes |
LivingWorks Start equips participants with fundamental skills to recognise when someone may be thinking about suicide and how to connect them with the necessary help and support. It is also available in French and Spanish. |
|
LivingWorks safeTALK |
Face-to-face |
3-4 hours |
LivingWorks safeTALK empowers people to be more alert to someone with thoughts of suicide and better able to connect them with further help. With over 120,000 participants annually, it is the world’s fastest-growing suicide prevention skills training course. |
|
LivingWorks ASIST
|
Face-to-face
|
2 days |
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Prevention Skills Training (ASIST) is globally acclaimed as the leader in suicide intervention training. Endorsed by professionals and approved by the World Health Organization, ASIST is accessible to everyone and stands as the most evidence-based workshop of its kind. It represents the gold standard in Suicide First Aid with Safety Planning. |
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
This program is open to all members of the veteran community, including adults over 18 years of age:
- Families, friends, carers, employers, and colleagues of veterans and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel
- Health care professionals and community members supporting veterans and their families.
- Veterans and current serving members from the ADF.
Which organisations are involved in this program?
The Mental Health Protect program is led by Mental Health First Aid International, on behalf of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
Mental Health First Aid International offers mental health literacy training and has teamed up with LivingWorks to include a focus on suicide prevention. Mental Health First Aid International and LivingWorks are both leading global organisations offering evidence-based mental health literacy and suicide prevention training programs.
In addition, DVA has engaged Phoenix Australia to work with Mental Health First Aid International to collect data and evaluate the programs. More information on this is included in the expression of interest participants form.
How many individuals will be trained under this funding?
The Mental Health Protect program will train approximately 4,000 members of the veteran community in Australia. We recommend you book a course as soon as possible to secure your place.
When can I sign up for courses?
Enrolment is open now for some courses, and others are currently inviting individuals to join a waitlist to be notified when courses become available. Please see the Mental Health Protect page for registration or to join waitlists.
When are the courses scheduled?
All courses will be available in August 2024, and will be delivered over a 12-month period until 30 June 2025. Various course dates will be made available on the Mental Health Protect page, and offered in various formats to provide flexibility in program delivery.
Can I take multiple courses?
Yes, you may complete more than one course to gain a comprehensive understanding of mental health and suicide prevention.
The Standard Mental Health First Aid for the veteran community course is focused on teaching the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems, and how to provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing these. It has been adapted with video and activities specifically for the veteran community. LivingWorks suicide prevention training focuses on teaching skills and strategies to keep individuals safe from suicide.
Individuals who complete courses from both Mental Health First Aid International and LivingWorks can gain a comprehensive view to support people in their lives at all stages of their mental health journey.
Do you cater for individual learning or accessibility needs?
Yes, we aim to support learnings of all abilities. Please note your needs in the course registration stage or contact us for further assistance.
Is the program being evaluated? Why am I asked to complete surveys or evaluations post-course?
Both Mental Health First Aid International and LivingWorks complete regular course evaluations to improve the learner experience and provide instructors with feedback.
We routinely collect feedback from participants as part of MHFA courses. Participant feedback is an important way for Mental Health First Aid International to ensure that our programs are delivered to a high standard.
With participant permission, feedback provided as part of this course will be de-identified and anonymised, and shared with Phoenix Australia for evaluation purposes. We respect your privacy and at no time pass on your identifiable personal information to any third party.
Please note the data will only be shared with your express consent, as requested in the registration form. If you do not consent to this information being shared, any feedback you provide at the completion of the course will not be shared with Phoenix Australia.
Phoenix Australia have been appointed by the DVA as independent program evaluators to determine the reach and effectiveness of the training being delivered to the veteran community and to identify program insights and improvements.
Are the courses public or private?
You have the option to either register in a public course or organise private training for larger groups. Individuals who complete the registration or expression of interest forms will be matched to a public course, unless the option for group training is selected. Groups of six or more are eligible for private training.
I would like to organise group training. How can I go about this?
As part of this program, you have the option to organise private group training for organisations or community groups. If you are interested in booking a private group course, please email protect@mhfa.com.au with the information below.
- Name of organisation or group
- Number of individuals you would like trained
- Preference for delivery format
- Face-to-face
- Blended face-to-face (eLearning + face-to-face)
- Blended online (eLearning + online video conferencing)
- Preferred dates or date period
- Preferred instructor (if known)
- Location you would like to complete the training (if includes face-to-face)
I work in an organisation whose staff or members would benefit from this training. How can I support this program?
All organisations that support, or work closely with, the veteran community are invited to share the program with their staff or members to equip them with the crucial skills to provide early intervention and suicide prevention support when it matters most.
Organisations and community groups can support the initiative by:
- Directing your community to the Mental Health Protect program page at www.mhfa.com.au/protect
- Sharing the stakeholder resources with your staff or members, such as:
- Sharing posts on your social media accounts or in your newsletters
- Displaying the posters or flyers in your workplace or community setting
- Delivering an information session to your members or community
For how long will this program run?
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs will fund this training until 30 June 2025.
How can I register for the training?
Please submit a registration form available via the Mental Health Protect page. Once you’ve completed the form, a member of the Mental Health First Aid International or LivingWorks teams will contact you to confirm your training.
Are there any prerequisites for attending the training?
No, Mental Health First Aid and LivingWorks courses have been developed for anyone aged 18+ to complete. You do not need to have any prior mental health or suicide prevention training or knowledge.
Where can I find direct mental health and crisis support?
You can find information on supports available to veterans on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Mental Health Support Services page. For non-veteran related mental health supports, please see Mental Health First Aid Australia’s Immediate Help page.
What accreditation or certification do I receive if I complete the training?
Individuals who complete the Standard Mental Health First Aid course can complete a post-course assessment to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider and receive a Certificate of Accreditation valid for 3 years. After 3 years, a refresher course can be completed to extend the Accreditation a further 3 years.
Individuals who complete any of the LivingWorks courses will receive a Certificate of Completion.
What privacy policy is the Mental Health Protect program covered by?
The Mental Health Protect program is covered by Mental Health First Aid International’s Privacy Policy. Any data collection or usage outside of this strictly requires the participant’s express consent.
Contact Us
Email: mhfa@mhfa.com.au
Phone: +61 3 9079 0200
Address: Level 18, 150 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000 AUSTRALIA
About Us
Mental Health First Aid Australia is a national not-for-profit provider of mental health first aid education that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills when it matters most.
Donate
Your tax deductible donation will help us work towards our vision of a community where everyone has the first aid skills to support people with mental health problems.
Mental Health First Aid Australia recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Australia. We acknowledge and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the world’s oldest living culture and embrace their continued connection to land, waters and community. We pay our deepest respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
We recognise, value and celebrate diversity and act in the spirit of inclusion.
Mental Health First Aid, MHFA, Mental Health First Aider, MHFAider, ALGEE and For Anyone. For Everyone are registered trademarks of Mental Health First Aid International.
