Wānaka - Youth Mental Health First Aid (2 Day Course)

Path Wānaka Ara Ki Wānaka is proud to co-host this TWO day course in NOVEMBER 2026.  Facilitated by Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa, & Te Hau Toka, this course is designed to educate and empower adults working with rangitahi (young people) with the skills, knowledge and confidence to support their mental health.

The Youth MHFA programme focuses on how adults can support young people aged 11 to 18 years old.  Tailored to adults, it is for teachers, coaches, whānau, guidance counsellors, and youth workers. The Youth MHFA course includes topics such as eating disorders, depression, anxiety, psychosis, alongside those covered in the standard programme.

You will Learn:

1. To recognise the signs of mental health challenges and how to respond confidently to offer practical Mental Health First Aid skills.

2. What to say to someone – how to start that conversation, and provide the initial support required with confidence.

3. The evidence-based and practical ALGEE Five-Step Action Plan:

• Approach crises effectively

• Listen non-judgmentally

• Give support and information

• Encourage professional help

• Encourage other support networks

Course Format

• 14-hour workshop in-person over two days, includes workbooks and take-home materials.

• A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please advise if you have specific dietary requirements.  Contact: manager@pathwanaka.org.nz

Who Should Attend

• Adults who support young rangitahi in our community facing mental health challenges. Along with school teachers and guidance counsellors, parents and community members are encouraged to become Youth Mental Health First Aiders.

• Note this course is not a therapy or support group, or suitable for those under 18.

When & Where is the Course Held

• This is a two-day course. Day one is held on Tuesday 17 November and Day Two is held on Tuesday 24 November 2026.

• The venue is the Wānaka Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street, Wānaka.

We look forward to welcoming all attendees to our next Wānaka course.  Ngā mihi maioha to our fabulous facilitator Karyn Munro and her team in providing Path Wānaka Ara Ki Wānaka the opportunity to co-host this workshop again in 2026.

Nga mihi ki a koe

Member Agencies: NZ Police, Community Networks/LINK, Te Kura o Tititea | Mt Aspiring College, Kahu Youth Trust, Queenstown Lakes District Council, ADLNZ, Students Against Dangerous Driving, Te Whatu Ora Southern, WellSouth & Te Hau Toka