Youth Mental Health First Aid (North Coast NSW)

This course runs over 2 days (14 hours), from 8:30am to 4:00pm on the two dates selected.

If the course dates are not consecutive days then the training occurs on the first AND last date ONLY

🧠 Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Course

Did you know?
Australian Government data shows that mental health conditions often first emerge during adolescence, with around 1 in 4 young people aged 16–24 experiencing a mental illness in any given year.

💬 What is Youth MHFA?

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) teaches practical, evidence-based, and easy-to-apply strategies to support a young person (aged 12–18) who may be:

• Developing a mental health problem

• Experiencing a worsening of an existing condition

• In a mental health crisis

This nationally accredited course equips adults who live with, care for, or work with young people to recognise early signs, provide initial help, and connect youth to appropriate professional support.

🌱 Why Everyone Working With Young People Should Do This Course

Early support can be life-changing. The right help at the right time can:

• Prevent issues from escalating

• Protect relationships, education pathways, and wellbeing

• Foster resilience and connection

• Reduce the risk of long-term impacts on mental health and life outcomes

YMHFA is grounded in lived experience and clinical consensus. The course content is developed by Mental Health First Aid Australia and informed by both young people and mental health professionals.

🌍 Global Reach, Local Impact

While developed here in Australia, MHFA is now taught in over 30 countries.
Advocates such as Barack and Michelle Obama have promoted MHFA to address youth mental health challenges in schools and communities across the U.S.

📈 Research-Backed and Proven

YMHFA training is backed by extensive research and has been shown to:

• Increase knowledge and confidence in supporting young people

• Improve early intervention outcomes

• Reduce stigma and misunderstanding around youth mental health

Get accredited and be part of the solution.

📘 Topics Covered

This 14-hour course includes:

• Common Mental Health Problems in Young People

• Depression

• Anxiety Disorders

• Eating Disorders

• Suicide Risk and Self-Harm

• Substance Use

• Psychosis

• Trauma and Aggressive Behaviours

👨‍🏫 Your Instructor – Mark Smith

Train with Mark Smith, Principal Master MHFA Instructor and Director of Safer Communities.

Mark brings a deep background in:

• High School Leadership (Deputy Principal)

• Special Education

• Medical and Disability Support

• Instructor training for MHFA International

Mark’s sessions are known for being engaging, thought-provoking, and approachable – blending humour, real-world examples, and personal stories to make the content both relatable and impactful.

👉 Read testimonials on our website.

🍽️ Catering Info

Please note: Catering is not included.
Participants may bring their own food – fridge and microwave available – or explore nearby cafes and food outlets.

🔗 Learn more and register:

Visit our website for more information about the Youth MHFA Course and upcoming training dates.

https://www.safercommunities.com.au/
Equip yourself to support young people when it matters most.