Understanding our
programs and support

• Promote Holistic Well-being: Integrate mental, physical, and social health initiatives.
• Empower Communities: Build and support resilient communities through targeted programs and resources.
• Foster Community Engagement: Build partnerships and engage communities in well-being programs.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training program that equips individuals with the skills to identify, understand, and assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid helps in emergencies, MHFA provides the tools to support mental health challenges, reduce stigma, and guide individuals toward appropriate care. Anyone, from teachers and parents to healthcare workers and community leaders, can benefit from MHFA, helping create a more supportive and understanding environment in both personal and professional settings.

Yes, Indigenous Mental Health First Aid Training benefits non-Indigenous participants by enhancing cultural competence, improving communication skills, raising awareness of Indigenous mental health issues, fostering community engagement, reducing stigma, and supporting personal and professional growth. It equips participants to interact respectfully and effectively with Indigenous individuals and communities, promoting inclusivity and culturally appropriate support in various settings.

We deliver training across all states and territories in Australia and can accommodate workshops in a wide range of locations from metro to regional and remote areas. Please feel free to contact us to discuss how we can bring our training to your specific region.

You can get involved in several ways:

• Participate: Attend our events, workshops, and health programs.
• Partner: Collaborate with us as an organisation or business partner.
• Donate: Support our initiatives through financial contributions.

If you are interested in participating, partnering, or donating, and would like more information please contact us directly.

If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to reach out! You can contact us directly through our contact page. We’re here to assist and provide any additional details you may need. Don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Stay updated by following us on social media we have Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, where we regularly post updates and announcements.

At the National Wellbeing Alliance, we are committed to providing comprehensive training to support mental health across various communities and age groups. Our training programs are designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively support mental health and well-being in diverse settings. For more detailed information and to access these training programs, please visit our services page.

MHFA training includes a comprehensive overview of common mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, NSSI, suicide, psychosis and substance use disorders. Participants will learn how to recognise symptoms, provide initial support, and connect individuals with appropriate resources and professional help.

Programs are designed to incorporate Indigenous knowledge through a range of culturally sensitive approaches. These courses integrate traditional practices and perspectives by collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and elders to ensure that the content is both relevant and respectful. Indigenous trainers, who bring lived experience and cultural expertise, facilitate these courses, providing authentic insights into mental health challenges and solutions within Indigenous contexts. The training also includes culturally appropriate strategies and support mechanisms, honouring traditional values and practices while equipping participants with practical skills for mental health support.

Youth and Adult MHFA courses typically take 14 hours and are run over two-days.

Deadly Thinking Youth (DTY) workshops typically run over one 5-hour session.

• Using Interpreters: Arranging for professional or community interpreters to assist during training sessions and workshops, ensuring clear communication and understanding.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Incorporating culturally relevant examples and contexts that resonate with participants from diverse backgrounds.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Soliciting feedback from non-English speaking participants to continuously improve our services and address any language barriers.

The cost of attending our training sessions varies based on several factors, including the specific program, the number of participants, and any additional requirements or customisation needed for your group. We tailor each training to meet the unique needs of your organisation or community to ensure the most effective and relevant experience.
To receive a detailed quote and discuss your specific training needs, please contact us directly. Our team will work with you to provide a customised solution that fits your budget and objectives.

After completing the workshop, there are several support options and next steps available to you. One opportunity is to become a trainer yourself, allowing you to share your knowledge and skills with others. If you’re interested in further community engagement, you can also participate in events such as yarning circles, where you can connect with others and continue learning in a collaborative environment. Additionally, we offer a range of further training courses to deepen your expertise or expand into new areas of interest. These pathways ensure that you can continue to grow, contribute, and make an impact in your community.

Please contact us if you are interested in any of the options mentioned above.

Yes, we offer refresher courses, which involve revisiting the original course content. While the core material remains the same, the refresher allows participants to refresh and reinforce their knowledge. The main updates typically involve any new statistics or information provided by MHFA. These updates ensure that participants are kept informed of the latest data and developments, but the course itself remains consistent, offering the same foundational training and skills as before. This approach allows you to stay current without needing to take an entirely new course.

To sign up for MHFA training as an individual, you’ll need to manually register your interest. Once registered, we’ll help you build the skills to support others facing mental health challenges.

Depending on your location, we may be able to place you in an upcoming course or one that’s already scheduled. Please complete the Expression of Interest form here.

You don’t need to bring anything! We’ve got you covered. We provide all the necessary materials, including stationary, and catering for meals and refreshments throughout the day. Just bring yourself and a positive attitude – we’re excited to have you join us!

Generally, there is no individual cost to attend our workshops, as most are funded by the NIAA and are free for participants. Please reach out to us, and we will do our best to get you into an upcoming workshop in your area or connect you with the appropriate provider for future workshops.

Yes, we offer customised training sessions that can be tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our group training options and how to get started.

Yes, for a Y/AMHFA workshop to run the minimum number of participants is 6 and the maximum number is 24 per workshop.

For DTY workshops, trainers can facilitate up to 15 participants alone or 20 with a support person. This support person can be provided by the host organisation, or we can provide a second trainer. If there is a second trainer this 20 maximum can be surpassed but we generally recommended to split the training into two workshops, if it surpasses this number by much.

The cost of booking a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) workshop varies based on several factors, such as the specific program, the number of participants, and any additional customisations or requirements you may have. In some cases, the training may be offered at no cost, depending on certain conditions and eligibility criteria. We work closely with you to design a training experience that meets the unique needs of your organisation, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.

For a detailed quote and to discuss your specific requirements please contact us directly. Our team will collaborate with you to create a tailored solution that aligns with both your budget and objectives.

Offering AMHFA training to employees creates a supportive and inclusive work environment while equipping staff with the skills to effectively respond to mental health challenges. The course provides a deep understanding of the unique mental health needs of Aboriginal people, who are disproportionately affected by mental health issues. By viewing mental health through an Indigenous lens, employees gain cultural insight and awareness, fostering better understanding and respect for Aboriginal peoples. This training not only reduces workplace stress and stigma, but also enhances employee well-being, engagement, and overall productivity, contributing to a healthier, more supportive organisational culture.

At the start of the training, you will receive a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) manual and workbook. These materials are designed to be used during the training to guide you through exercises and activities, helping you engage with the content. They also serve as valuable reference tools after the training, allowing you to revisit key concepts and techniques as needed.

After completing all sessions of a workshop, you will receive a certificate of completion for the respective course. This certificate confirms that you have successfully completed the training and gained the necessary skills to provide initial support to individuals experiencing mental health issues.

After completing an Adult Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) or Youth Mental Health First Aid (YAMHFA) workshop, there is the option to become MHFA accredited by completing an online test. This test assesses your understanding of the course content and your ability to apply it in real-life situations. Once you finish all sessions of the workshop, a link to the test will be sent to you, which you must complete within a set period. The test includes multiple-choice questions and practical scenarios to evaluate your knowledge.

Being Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) accredited offers several key benefits. Upon completing the course and passing the test, you receive a certificate that demonstrates your ability to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Benefits include:

• Increased Awareness: Understand mental health issues and how to recognize symptoms.
• Improved Support Skills: Learn practical tools to offer initial help in mental health crises.
• Enhanced Confidence: Feel more equipped to handle mental health situations effectively.
• Workplace Impact: Foster a supportive environment and improve overall wellbeing at work.
• Professional Recognition: Gain a recognized qualification that enhances your career opportunities and demonstrates your commitment to mental health.

Overall, MHFA accreditation empowers you to support others, reduce stigma, and create a mentally healthier environment.

Your Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) accreditation is valid for 3 years from the date of workshop completion. After that, you can refresh your knowledge and skills by taking a refresher course to maintain your accreditation. This ensures you’re up to date with the latest practices and guidelines in Mental Health First Aid.

Please contact us, and we will connect you with one of our partners who can provide you with the necessary information and steps to become a trainer.

The first step is to reach out for support. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend or family member, and or contacting a mental health professional, taking that initial step is important. If you’re unsure where to start, consider calling a helpline for immediate, confidential support. The key is to acknowledge what you’re going through and find someone or somewhere safe to begin the conversation.

Seeking support is a sign of strength, and there are many resources available to help.

If you believe you or someone you know is in immediate danger, either from others or themselves, please call 000.

There are many services available to support a variety of needs, including gender-specific, and culturally sensitive options:

General Mental Health Resources:

• Lifeline (13 11 14)
• Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636)
• Headspace
• Black Dog Institute

Indigenous-Specific Resources:

• 13YARN (13 92 76)
• Thirrili (1800 805 801)

Gender-Specific Resources:

Men:

• Men’s Line Australia (1300 78 99 78)
• Dads in Distress (1300 853 437)

Women:

• 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
• Women’s Health Australia (1800 150 150)

LGBTQIA+ Specific Resources:

• QLife (1800 184 527)

Resources for Young People:

• Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800)
• Eheadspace (1800 650 890)