Yarra Ranges Council and 12 community organisations are offering free Mental Health First Aid training for locals to provide vital support to those experiencing mental health challenges.
Facilitated by Licensed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructors, the courses guide community members on how to support people who may either be developing a mental health issue, or currently experiencing one and how to provide professional support.
Training courses include Standard MHFA, Youth MHFA, Older Person MHFA and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander MHFA.
Yarra Ranges mayor, Cr Jim Child, said that the skills and knowledge passed on in these sessions could be life-changing.
“We know that mental health is an increasing issue, so this initial line of response that can be provided at a community level could be crucial in identifying the need for someone who may need professional support,” Cr Child said.
“The more people we have who can notice the warning signs and then be the catalyst for encouraging people to seek some professional help, the more resilient our community will be.
“This training also helps reduce the stigma that is sometimes associated with mental health and helps build capacity for people to respond in a crisis situation.
“Improving the mental wellbeing of the Yarra Ranges community is a major priority area for us as a council and is evident through many of our strategic documents such as the Council Plan, Health and Wellbeing Plan, Youth Plan and Healthy Active Ageing Plan.
“The sessions have proven to be really popular so I strongly encourage anyone interested in developing these skills to register soon as places are limited.”
For more information about MHFA training, including dates, locations and how to register, please visit: yarraranges.vic.gov.au/mhfa
