Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ASTSI) Mental Health First Aid

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how to provide initial support to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional support is received, or the crisis resolves.

This strengths-based course has been developed and reviewed in consultation with Australia’s First Nations people. The course ensures participants are grounded in social and emotional well-being from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective, equipping them with the skills to provide mental health first aid in a culturally safe and informed way.

Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adults, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the supports available, including cultural context to community-based care.

Using a practical, evidence-based action plans, course participants learn how to approach someone they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to encourage the person to seek professional, cultural and other supports.

Adults who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters.

Click here for an AMHFA information flyer, or for a short introduction film click here.

All accredited training is available free of charge to pension card holders and Higher Education and VET students. For registration, please email training@mhaca.org.au Evidence of pension card or current student card required.

The information on this page has been sourced directly from the MHFA Australia Website: https://www.mhfa.com.au/our-courses/adults-supporting-adults/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-mental-health-first-aid/