Become a mental health first aider to support young people
Published on 29 January 2024
About 1 in 4 young Australians experience a common mental health illness each year.
Local training is available now for adults (18 years and over) interested in learning how to assist young people who may be experiencing a mental health problem.
Delivered in partnership with Baw Baw Shire Council, Live4Life Baw Baw is offering a series of subsidised two-day Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses that will teach you how to use a practical, evidence-based action plan to support an adolescent experiencing a mental health issue until professional help is received.
Over the two days, you will learn about:
- Adolescent development
- Signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in young people
- Where and how to get help
- What sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and
- How to provide first aid in crisis situations
Participants will receive a Youth Mental Health First Aid manual and Certificate of Accreditation on successful completion of the course.
The first sessions will take place on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 February 2024 from 9am to 5pm at the Warragul Goods Shed, with courses running each subsequent month through to November at locations in Warragul and Trafalgar.
The training fee for each two-day session is $22.49, subsidised for the community by Baw Baw Live4Life and proudly supported by Baw Baw Shire Council.
Bookings are essential via Eventbrite.
“As both a paramedic and as a mother, I have seen firsthand the mental health challenges our young people are facing,” says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe.
“These courses are not just an educational experience – they are an investment in the future of our young people and our community. I encourage all interested adults to take part in this vital training to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our adolescents and foster a stronger, more resilient Baw Baw Shire.”
For more information, contact Baw Baw Shire’s Live4Life Partnerships Coordinator Claire Tartaro at claire.tartaro@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au or visit the Eventbrite listing page.