23 August 2023
Southern Downs Regional Council continues the important conversation on supporting people experiencing mental health issues and establishing supportive networks. Council is now offering free mental health first aid training to up-skill participants as first responders and assist people experiencing a mental health issue until appropriate professional help is available.
Facilitated by accredited mental health first aid instructors, the two-day courses aim to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, improve mental health literacy and spark quality conversations that improve help-seeking behaviour and resilience.
Council’s Manager Community Services Michael Bell is one of the instructors and he said that one in five adults experience a mental health crisis each year, and early support and intervention plays a critical role in assisting someone when they are vulnerable.
“Physical first aid is accepted and widespread in our community, but most training courses do not cover mental health problems. Like physical first aid, mental health first aid is given until the person receives professional help or until the crisis resolves,” Mr Bell said.
“With the right support, mental health illnesses can be managed and improved to help individuals maintain good mental health.
“Mental health first aid training aims to change our perspective on mental health issues to the same focus, understanding and compassion given to those with a physical injury or disability – it’s about providing reassurance and hope.
“Participants will be empowered with tools, essential skills and confidence to recognise and support people with a range of mental health issues – whether friends, family, colleagues or members of the public – until professional help arrives.”
The training identifies the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and provides simple tools that can be used to assist someone experiencing a mental health problem, including how the trained responder can look after themselves throughout the support process.
Participants will receive a certificate valid for three years, a mental health first aid manual and valuable knowledge to support our community.
If you are interested in attending a mental health first aid training course, please contact Council’s Community Development team on 1300 697 372 or email commdev@sdrc.qld.gov.au. Please note that each session is limited to 15 participants.
For a full list of training courses, please click here (PDF 143.8KB).
Last edited date 23 Aug 2023