BECOME A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER

Strengthen your understanding, build confidence, and support the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in your workplace, family, and community.

Why Take This Course?

INTERVENE EARLY

Recognise the early warning signs of mental health problems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults.

OFFER SUPPORT

Learn how to have open, supportive, and culturally safe conversations about mental health.

RESPOND IN A CRISIS

Develop the confidence and skills to respond across a range of situations where an adult may be at risk of harm.

REDUCE STIGMA

Support stronger, stigma‑free communities and improve mental health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

About the Course

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course teaches participants how to provide initial support to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adult who may be:

Experiencing a developing mental health problem, or
Experiencing a mental health crisis

This strengths‑based course is developed in consultation with Australia’s First Nations peoples, ensuring a focus on social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective.

Participants learn how to:

Recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems
Understand mental health through a cultural lens
Respond to emerging or worsening concerns
Apply a practical, evidence‑based action plan
Encourage professional help, community support, and cultural healing pathways
Provide culturally safe, respectful initial assistance

Course Benefits

Adults who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) who are equipped to:

Offer culturally informed support
Share mental health information confidently
Promote community connection and wellbeing
Respond safely and effectively in crisis situations

Course Format

Component 1 - Self‑paced eLearning: 7 hours (must be completed prior to component 2)
Component 2 - Live online session: One × 5‑hour video‑conferencing workshop

Quality & Recognition

This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high‑quality, evidence‑based suicide prevention program.

Accreditation

You can complete the short assessment at the end of a course to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider).

Accreditations are valid for 3 years.

Delivered by

All sessions are facilitated by a Mental Health First Aid–trained and Licensed Instructor.

Contact the host of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid - Blended Online 12May