Residents have the opportunity to enrol in subsidised Mental Health First Aid courses this October.
This month, three training courses will be available at a reduced cost, including a specialised Youth Mental Health First Aid course. Each of the award-winning training courses will run over two full days and seeks to increase knowledge and reduce stigma about mental health.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayor Peter Besseling said this was Council’s second rollout of subsidised courses this year, and encouraged workers and carers of people with mental illness to take part in the comprehensive training program.
“These courses are a wonderful opportunity for members of the public to receive an introduction into medal health education and how to support those affected by mental illness. Both classes offered in February booked out quickly, so I would urge anyone interested in the course to register now,” Mayor Besseling said.
“Course participants complete the course for a range of reasons; their work involves people contact, they have someone close affected by a mental health problem, or they would like to learn valuable first aid skills.”
The two-day courses include a training manual, resources, certificate and catering. The cost of each courses is $60.
The 14-hour Youth course teaches first aid skills aimed to provide initial help to adolescents experiencing mental health problems, are in a mental health crisis situation or in the early stages of a mental illness.
The youth mental health first aid program will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 16 and 17.
A general mental health course will be offered on October 18 and 19 and again later in the month on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, October 20 and 21.
All courses will teach the symptoms, causes and evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis and substance use disorder and provide practical steps to help those affected by mental illness.
To book, or for more information, contact Shona Russell at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council on 6581 8111 or visit the Mental Health First Aid website www.mhfa.com.au
