Youth mental health first aid

Course description

Domain:	Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Type:	Intermediate course
	See where this course fits in the Professional Staff Learning Framework

Mental illnesses often start in adolescence or early adulthood and it is important to detect problems early to ensure the young person is properly treated and supported. The Youth Mental Health First Aid course teaches adults who have frequent contact with young people, such as parents, guardians, school staff, sport coaches and youth workers, how to assist young people who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem, or in a mental health crisis.

Participants will learn about signs and symptoms of mental health problems, how and where to get help, and what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective for young people.

Please note: the course does not teach you to be a counsellor or therapist, or to diagnose mental illness.  It is a frontline response framework for assisting young people experiencing mental health problems.

When you attend a Mental Health First Aid workshop, you have the option of becoming an Accredited Mental Health First Aider.  The process involves completing an online knowledge test and feedback form, and requires your permission for your contact details to be passed onto Mental Health First Aid Australia.  

If you do not wish to pursue formal accreditation, you may choose to receive a Certificate of Attendance at the end of the workshop.

Type of course

Workshop

Presenters

Naomi Madsen People and Culture

Who should attend

The course is particularly suitable for Professional staff who are in frontline roles, dealing with students.  Please note that the course is designed for members of the general public who do not have formal training, education, or qualifications in mental health related fields and is, therefore, pitched at an introductory level.  If you are unsure about whether the workshop is suitable for you, please contact Naomi Madsen.

What you will learn

Prerequisites / assumed knowledge

None - participants are asked to ensure they can attend all sessions if they wish to receive a certificate of attendance issued by Mental Health First Aid.