Schools
Explore training that equips whole school communities with the skills and knowledge to support someone experiencing a mental health problem.
1 in 7
Young people experience a mental disorder in any given year.
Mental Illness
Young people are less likely than any other age group to seek professional help.
Almost 2 in 5
Young adults aged 16–24 experience a mental health problem.
Why Choose Mental Health First Aid?
Schools that prioritise mental health can empower students, parents, carers and staff to contribute to a compassionate and caring school community where everyone can thrive.
Mental Health First Aid is a practical skills-based education program that equips people with the skills and confidence needed to recognise and respond to someone they know who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
Grounded in research and guided by the voice of lived experience, our courses provide high-quality, safe and proven mental health first aid literacy and skills training to strengthen the support available to all Australians.
Empowering a whole-school approach to mental health
During the high school years, mental health problems are among the leading causes of falling grades, problems with friends and relationships and substance misuse, and they can have a lifelong impact.
It is also important to recognise that it is not just students that need support. For many teachers the day-to-day effects of coping with student relationships, managing classroom dynamics, co-worker and parent relationships together with workload and time pressures can lead to physical and mental ill-health.
Understanding how to talk about mental health and having the confidence and knowledge to help someone in need are important skills that everyone in the school community can learn.
This is where Mental Health First Aid training can help.
Watch this short video about Mental Health First Aid for your school
Download Our Fact Sheet for Schools
Learn more about how MHFA training can empower your school community.
Find the Training That’s Right for You
Browse our range of core course options available for schools:
Adults Supporting Young People
Empower adults with the skills and knowledge to support young people experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
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Youth MHFA
For adults to support a young person experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.
Find out more »
Youth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA
For adults to support a young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.
Find out more »
Peer-to-Peer Support
Empower young people with the practical skills to support each other.
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Teen MHFA
For young people to support a friend or classmate experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.
Find out more »
Adults Supporting Adults
Equip staff, parents and carers with the skills to provide support to other adults across diverse populations and crisis situations.
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Standard MHFA
For adults to support other adults experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA
For adults to support an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adult experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.
Find out more »
Specialised Courses
Explore our range of specialised courses that equip adults with the skills to support someone experiencing a crisis situation, including non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
Choose how to deliver your training
Once you’ve chosen the course that’s right for you, the next step is to choose how to deliver your training. There are several options available:
Book a public course
Individuals or small groups can register to attend a public course. All public courses are listed in our course finder which can be accessed on each course page.
Learn More
All upcoming core and specialised MHFA public courses are listed in our course finder, which can be accessed on each course page.
Please note Licensed MHFA Instructors set their own course fees, so pricing may vary based on your location and chosen course delivery format.
Visit your preferred course page to take the next step and find a course online or at a location near you.
Organise in-house training
Larger groups can find a Licensed Instructor to deliver private training in-house or at a mutually agreed venue.
Learn More
Our decentralised model lets you find a Licensed MHFA Instructor with the background and experience to best suit your needs.
You will need to work with your chosen Instructor to finalise the details of your training, including:
- Costs
- Dates
- Location.
Visit your preferred course page to take the next step and organise an Instructor to deliver in-house training.
Become an Instructor
Nominating a staff member to become an Instructor can be a cost-effective and sustainable way to deliver MHFA training on an ongoing basis.
Learn More
Delivery for Teen MHFA
Teen MHFA courses must be delivered in the classroom setting to an entire cohort of students (for example, the whole Year 10 cohort). It is only available for schools where more than 10% of current staff are trained in Youth MHFA. This helps ensure trained Mental Health First Aiders are available to support students.
Access and Funding
Funding is available from a range of sources. Schools and education departments are encouraged to collaborate with local organisations and governments to build capacity, foster collaborative relationships across the community and secure funding for MHFA training. Contact your respective state or territory Education department.
Watch our videos for MHFA in Schools
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Subscribe to receive practical tips for promoting positive mental health practices as well as information about implementing Mental Health First Aid training into your school.
