Adolescence is a time of important change and development. It is also a time when young people are at high risk of developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety first emerge. The Blended Youth MHFA courses equips school staff, teachers, support workers, parents and other adults with the knowledge and skills to support a young person experiencing mental health problems.

In this informative and practical course, you will learn about the signs and symptoms of common and disabling mental health problems in adolescents, how to provide initial help, where and how to get professional help, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide mental health first aid in a crisis situation, using a practical, evidence-based action plan. Mental health training is more accessible than ever before

The Blended Youth MHFA Course includes two course components:

Course Component 1 – Self-paced interactive eLearning (Approx. 4 hours)

The eLearning course component presents an overview of mental health problems and mental health crises.

Developing mental health problems covered include:

• Depression
• Anxiety problems
• Eating disorders
• Psychosis
• Substance use problems

Mental health crises covered:

• Panic attacks
• Severe psychotic states
• Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use
• Aggressive behaviours.

Course Component 2: Instructor-led component can be delivered in 1 of 2 ways:

• 3 x 3 hour live Zoom sessions
• 1 full day face-to-face session

Component 2 provides course participants with an opportunity to revise content covered in the self-paced eLearning program and to consolidate the application of this content with the development of practical skills in a group environment.

• Clarify any points of uncertainty remaining after completion of the eLearning modules
• Rivise and apply the MHFA Action Plan to relevant scenarios
• Discuss and reflect 'a where to from now' in using mental health first aid skills
• Develop a self-care plan to maintain good mental health.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is a MHFA requirement that a particiant MUST complete all of the eLearning component before they can attend component 2. Component 2 must also be completed within 3 months of completing component 1 (eLearning).

The course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.

Please note: This course is not a therapy or a support group

Mental Health First Aid courses are delivered across the whole Country to any adult over the age of 18 who resides in Australia.