In this course, participants learn how to assist adolescents who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing worsening of a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.
Youth MHFA (yMHFA) -
Blended Course
Youth Mental Health First Aid - Blended Course
Adolescence is a time of important change and development. It is also the time when mental health problems can first emerge. During high school years, mental health problems are among the leading causes of falling grades, problems with friends, and relationships, substance use or abuse and they can have lifelong impact.
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That’s where Mental Health First Aid training can help!
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With a focus on improved mental health literacy and early intervention, Youth MHFA is for adults who work, live or care for adolescents such as teachers, school support staff, parents, sports coaches, community group leaders and youth workers.
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How does the Blended yMHFA Course differ from the other yMHFA Course available?
The Blended yMHFA course differs from the 2-day yMHFA course in terms of the format it is delivered.
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The Blended yMHFA course format:
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This is an online blended course:
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Course Component 1 - A self-paced eLearning component (takes 3-4 hours to complete)
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Course Component 2 - An Instructor-led component using video conferencing (3 X 2.5 hour session each including set up time and breaks).
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In comparison, the yMHFA course is a 2 day face-to-face course. More information about this course can be found here.
What's Covered in the Course?
Participants learn how and where to get help when a young person is developing a mental illness, what help research has shown to be effective and how to provide first aid in crisis situations.
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Depression
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Non-suicidal Self-Injury
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Suicidal Thoughts
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Anxiety
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Eating Disorders
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Panic Attacks
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Substance Use Problems
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Psychosis
Who Should Attend this Course?
Everyone and Anyone living with, or working with, young people!
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Parents and Carers
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Youth Groups (Scouts)
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Community Leaders
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Tafe Staff
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Frontline Workers
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Emergency Workers (Police, Paramedics, RFS)
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School Teachers
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School Support Staff
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School Chaplain
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Sports Coaches
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Youth Workers
Learning Outcomes:
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How to recognise signs of mental health problems – depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance use problems​;
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How to provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis;
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ALGEE - the practical, evidence-based Mental Health First Aid Action Plan;
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How to recognise and respond to the following mental health crises - suicidal thoughts and behaviours, panic attacks, traumatic events, severe psychotic states, severe effects from alcohol or other drug use, aggressive behaviours.
Why should I attend the yMHFA Course?
The Youth MHFA course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.
The course equips adults with the skills to recognise and respond to an adolescent who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis situation. Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, Youth MHFA teaches participants how to support an adolescent until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
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Providing Youth Mental Health First Aid training can help whole communities to:
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Intervene Early - Recognise the warning signs of mental health problems in young people
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Provide Skills - Provide the skills needed to speak openly and accurately about mental health
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Respond in a Crisis - Respond in crisis situations where a young person may be at risk of harm
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Reduce Stigma - Reduce stigma and increase support for young people with mental health problems