Older Person Mental Health First Aid

Support adults aged 65+ with confidence

Equips adults with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a friend, family member, or another adult aged 65+ experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.

🌿Course Highlights

INTERVENE EARLY

Recognise the warning signs of mental health problems in older adults.

OFFER SUPPORT

Learn how to have an open, supportive conversation about mental health.

RESPOND IN A CRISIS

Build the skills to respond across a range of crisis situations where an older adult may be at risk of harm.

REDUCE STIGMA

Help reduce stigma and increase support for older adults experiencing mental health problems.

About the Course

The Older Person Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants who work with, care for, or support adults aged 65+ how to provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

Participants learn to:

• Identify the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in older adults

• Recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health concern

• Understand available treatments and supports

• Use an evidence‑based action plan to approach someone, start a conversation, and offer initial support

• Encourage professional help and connect the person with appropriate resources

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.

Course Format

⏰ Duration: 12-hour course delivered face-to-face. 2 x 6-hour sessions over 2 days 

💲 Cost: Free (fully funded) – morning tea and lunch provided

👥 Capacity 24 participants (registration essential). Age: 18+

Important notes

Places are limited. If you register and can no longer attend, please cancel as early as possible so another participant can take your place. Email training@lifelinecentralwest.org.au or call 1300 798 258.

Questions?

Use the “Contact host” button on this page and the Lifeline Central West training team will respond as soon as possible.