Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid

Come learn how to provide mental health support in a culturally sensitive way at our ATSI Mental Health First Aid

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid:

Equips adults with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adult, experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.

INTERVENE EARLY

Recognise the warning signs of mental health problems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults.

OFFER SUPPORT

Learn the skills to have an open, supportive conversation about mental health with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander adult.

RESPOND IN A CRISIS

Respond across a range of situations where an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adult may be at risk of harm.

REDUCE STIGMA

Reduce stigma and increase supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults experiencing and living with mental health problems.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how to provide initial support to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional support is received, or the crisis resolves.

This strengths-based course has been developed and reviewed in consultation with Australia’s First Nations people. The course ensures participants are grounded in social and emotional well-being from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective, equipping them with the skills to provide mental health first aid in a culturally safe and informed way.

Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adults, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the supports available, including cultural context to community-based care.

Using a practical, evidence-based action plans, course participants learn how to approach someone they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to encourage the person to seek professional, cultural and other supports.

Adults who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most.

This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program. Learn more.