What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, or who is in a mental health crisis (e.g., the person is suicidal or has had a traumatic experience). Like physical first aid, mental health first aid is given until the person receives professional help or until the crisis resolves.

Mental health first aid strategies are taught in evidence-based training courses authored by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia and delivered by accredited MHFA Instructors across the country. Heart2Heart offers MHFA Courses as authored by MHFA Australia, delivered by Instructors who are currently accredited by MHFA Australia.

Standard Mental Health First Aid Course

The 12-hour Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course teaches adults how to provide initial support to adults who are developing any of the following mental health problems, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or mental health crises:

Developing mental health problems
Depression
Anxiety problems
Psychosis
Substance use problems.
Mental health crises
Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Non-suicidal self-injury
Panic attacks
Traumatic events
Severe psychotic states
Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use
Aggressive behaviours.

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Workplace and Online Delivery

Heart2Heart delivers in house training for organisations with content tailored to suit client needs. Workplace courses include the same material as the standardised course developed by Mental Health First Aid Australia, customised by accredited MHFA Instructors to incorporate relevant examples and local information. Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace can be delivered online with an e-learning module followed by two live instructor led webinars.

We recommend organisations adopt a model that addresses the overall workplace culture around mental health as well as appointing designated Mental Health First Aiders in the same way you would appoint First Aid officers.