Youth Mental
Health First Aid
Various Dates
VENUE: Garden Mill Cafe
Address: 100 Hughes Rd, Bargara
The Importance of Early Intervention in Youth Mental Health
A large percentage of people that experience mental illness will have their first symptoms of mental illness before the age of 18.
The Youth Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how to provide initial support to a young person (aged 12–18) who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.
This course is for parents, teachers, and youth community group volunteers. Being able to speak with a young person about the issues that they are experiencing is the first step to recovery – we just need to know how to start those conversations and have the skill and knowledge to support the young person to get the help they need.
This course aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to identify, understand, and effectively respond to signs of mental illnesses and crises in young people.
The Program
Participants of this 2-day face to face course will gain insights into recognizing the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues in teenagers, including how to identify and act on an escalating mental health concern, along with understanding the available treatments and support systems.
Through a hands-on, scientifically supported action plan, learners are taught how to engage with a teenager they’re worried about, initiating meaningful conversations around their mental health concerns. The course also guides participants on how to provide initial support and information, encouraging and assisting the adolescent in seeking professional assistance or exploring other support mechanisms.
Adults who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most.
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in young people
- Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation
- Assess for a range of crisis situations and provide initial support
- Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses, risk factors and treatments and supports available
- Distinguish between normal and expected changes during adolescence and development of mental health problems
- Understand the scope of the Mental Health First Aider role and the medical rights of minors
- Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider
Very worthwhile and relevant to my work as a teacher. It has raised my awareness of mental health issues among young people and what signs to look out for. I have a clear idea of what my role should be as a youth MHFAider.
Developing mental health problems covered are:
- Depression and anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Psychosis
- Substance use problems
Mental health crisis situations covered are:
- Non-suicidal self-injury
- Panic attacks
- Traumatic events
- Severe psychotic states
- Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Who can attend:
- Suitable for parents, carers and adults supporting adolescents across a wide range of settings including schools, community groups, organisations and sporting clubs.
- Any adult (aged 18+) can attend.
Please Note:
- Mental Health First Aider Certificate of Accreditation is valid for 3 years.
- This course is not a therapy or support group, rather it is an education course to learn how to give mental health first aid support to others.
- Numbers to this course are limited to a maximum of 20 participants.
Our Presenter
Sue Walker
Sue is an accredited by Mental Health First Aid Australia as a Mental Health First Aid Trainer and has delivered Mental Health First Aid training courses throughout Australia to both large and small organisations.
Sue is also the director and co-founder of the Nurses for Nurses Network and the online education platform Nursing CPD. The focus to assist Nurses in meeting their annual Continuing Professional Development requirements.
Sue holds Degrees in both Nursing and Health Administration, a Master’s Degree in Public Health, as well as a number of certificate courses in Psychiatry of Ageing, Gerontology, and Training and Assessment.
Sue is passionate about making a difference in how the community experience the healthcare system. One in 5 of us will develop a common mental health condition in any one year but not all of those needing to access mental health support will do so.
The aim of Mental Health First Aid Training is to educate people on the signs and symptoms of a person developing a common mental health condition or a worsening of a mental health condition that may be developing into a crisis.
With this knowledge people can learn how to approach a person, and how to assist and support the person until they can get them to a mental health professional.
“Mental Health First Aid Australia is a global, purpose-driven provider of mental health first aid education that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide support when it matters most.”
Sue’s calm and professional style helped to keep information clear and succinct, regardless of the question/s asked of her. She demonstrated excellent knowledge of the course content and had examples to share which helped to embed the concepts. She also repeated key concepts at every chapter point so we as MHFA people are able to execute in our roles as required. – Jasmine 2023
I found Sue to be a fabulous instructor and she presented as a knowledgeable and considered expert in her field. The participants were engaged for the whole of the workshops and I enjoyed and learnt much. – Bev 2023
Sue was a fantastic facilitator – one of the best on any course I have attended. It made it an enjoyable few days, and she is an expert in the field of Mental Health First aid with a wealth of knowledge and worked experience. Well done Sue!! – Keelyn 2023
This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program – Learn more >>
Why choose Mental Health First Aid?
It is evidence based
All Mental Health First Aid courses are based on guidelines that are informed by people with lived experience, their caregivers, and mental health professionals.
It is Rigorously evaluated
Evaluations consistently show that Mental Health First Aid training improves participants’ knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments and confidence in providing mental health first aid to individuals.
It is Skills-based
Teaches the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a difference.
It is Internationally recognised
Over 6 million people have trained in Mental Health First Aid across 25 countries.
Course Fees
Course fees do vary for many reasons, including:
- Course type
- Individual Instructor qualifications and credentials
- Course venue
- Course Location – metro vs regional
- Course catering
- Course participant subsidies – due to a community grant
To ensure an accurate price, please complete the form so we can discuss which training option would best suit your people and organisation.
Other Courses
Standard Mental Health First Aid for Workplaces and Community-based Organisations
Older Person Mental Health First Aid