Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa Training
About 1 in 5 adults in Aotearoa experience challenges with mental health in any year – meaning anyone is likely to know someone experiencing mental health challenges.
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Description
The MHFA Aotearoa program honors the cultural context and lived experience in Aotearoa. In addition to adapting the program materials, specific guidelines have also been developed for delivering MHFA within Māori, Pacific and Rainbow communities. Mental Health First Aid training improves an understanding of the mental health challenges people experience, their options for treatments and helpful first aid strategies. Participants report increased confidence in their ability to offer Mental Health First Aid which enables early access to help. The training also decreases stigma and discrimination that many people with mental health and addiction challenges experience. This training not only benefits the individual but also their workplace, whānau and the wider community.
The MHFA course covers signs, symptoms, and evidence-based treatments for the following common conditions:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychotic
- Substance use problems
The MHFA course also provides first aid guidelines for the following crises situations:
- Suicidal thoughts, feelings or behaviours
- Panic attacks and Traumatic events
- Severe psychotic episodes
- Intoxication and Aggression
Benefits to organisations
- Greater awareness of mental health
- Better promotion of mental health in the workplace
- Peer Support Network
- Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism
- Increased productivity
Key Outcomes from Training
- KNOWLEDGE – Increased mental health literacy
- CONFIDENCE – Increased confidence in providing mental health first aid
- DE-STIGMATISING – Decreased stigmatising attitudes
- SUPPORT – Increased support provided to others within the workplace
Become a Mental Health First Aider
People who attend MHFA training can complete an online assessment to be accredited for 3 years as a Mental Health First Aider. Just like appointing physical first aid officers, many organisations choose to appoint accredited Mental Health First Aiders to the role of MHFA officer within the workplace.
