FREE Mental Health First Aid Training | Darwin Arts & Cultural Sector

FREE Mental Health First Aid Training | Darwin Arts & Cultural Sector
Build the confidence to support mental health and wellbeing in your creative community.

Event Details
Dates: Thursday 19 & Friday 20 November 2026
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm (both days)
Location: Darwin, NT – Venue TBC
Cost: FREE (places are limited)
Presented by: Hey Mate
Format: Two-day, face-to-face Standard Mental Health First Aid training

About the Training
The creative industries thrive on connection, collaboration and community. But behind the scenes, working in the arts can also bring unique pressures, from financial uncertainty and demanding schedules to isolation, burnout and the challenges of supporting others.

That’s why Hey Mate is bringing FREE Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to Darwin’s arts and cultural sector.

This two-day, internationally recognised training will equip you with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to recognise when someone may be experiencing a mental health problem, start supportive conversations and connect them with appropriate help.

Whether you’re an artist, creative practitioner, producer, arts worker, cultural leader or someone who supports others in the creative community, this training is for you.
No previous mental health training or experience is required.

What You’ll Learn
Through practical activities, discussions and evidence-based learning, you’ll develop the skills to:

• Recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance use problems.

• Confidently approach someone who may be experiencing mental health difficulties.

• Listen without judgement and have supportive conversations.

• Respond appropriately to mental health crises, including suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

• Understand how and when to encourage professional support.

• Recognise your own boundaries and practise self-care when supporting others.

The training will also provide opportunities to connect with fellow creatives and arts workers who share an interest in building healthier, more supportive creative communities.

Who Should Attend?
This training is specifically offered to people working, volunteering or participating in Darwin and the Northern Territory’s arts and cultural sector, including:

• Artists, performers, musicians and creative practitioners

• Arts administrators, producers and project managers

• Festival, event and production teams

• Creative business owners and freelancers

• Arts and cultural organisations

• Community arts workers and cultural leaders

• Anyone supporting the wellbeing of people working in the creative industries

You don’t need to be a manager, mental health professional or have any previous experience to participate.
All participants must be aged 18 years or over.

What You’ll Receive
* Two full days of Mental Health First Aid training
* Practical, evidence-based skills you can use in everyday life
* Mental Health First Aid course resources
* The opportunity to complete an assessment to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider), with accreditation valid for three years
* An opportunity to connect with other members of Darwin’s creative community

Important Information
This training is completely free, but places are limited to ensure an engaging and supportive learning experience.
As this is a two-day course, participants must be available to attend both Thursday 19 and Friday 20 November to complete the training.
The course includes discussions about mental health problems and crises, including suicide and self-harm. Our facilitator will support a respectful learning environment, and participants are encouraged to consider their own wellbeing throughout.
If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know when registering so we can discuss how best to support your participation.

About Hey Mate
Hey Mate – The Home of Creative Industry Wellbeing.
Hey Mate is an Australian social enterprise dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing across the creative industries.
Through industry-specific counselling, Employee Assistance Programs, Mental Health First Aid training, workshops and wellbeing initiatives, we support creative people, teams and organisations to build healthier, safer and more sustainable ways of working.
We believe mental health support should be accessible, relevant and responsive to the realities of working in the creative industries.
Learn more: www.heymate.org.au

Ready to Be a Mate?
Good mental health support starts with connection, understanding and knowing what to do when someone needs help.
Join us in Darwin for two days of meaningful learning and help strengthen the wellbeing of our creative community.

Register now – free places are limited!

This free training is proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Territory Suicide Prevention Community Grants Program 2026–27.