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What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses are a suite of internationally acclaimed and evidence-based, accredited training programmes that empower and equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to support a friend, family member or co-worker experiencing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis such as being suicidal.

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Why Mental Health First Aid?

The Mental Health First Aid course is based on population health and is rigorously researched, both in terms of the content that is included in the course and evaluations of its effectiveness.It draws on research that shows the important role family and friends have in recognising the changes in emotions and behaviours that may signal a developing mental health problem and take action to prevent the problem worsening.

There are many reasons why mental health first aid training is beneficial:

It addresses a significant global health problem

Mental health problems are common and have significant negative effects on people’s health and wellbeing MHFA training addresses this.

It addresses a lack of knowledge about mental health problems

Many people do not have the knowledge that enables them to recognise mental health
problems, how to respond to the person, and what effective treatments are available. Greater knowledge about mental health problems means people are better able to recognise problems in others and better prepared to offer support.

Combat stigma

There is stigma (negative attitudes) and discrimination associated with mental health
problems. Stigma may lead people to hide their problems from others. It may also prevent people from seeking help. Better community understanding of experiences of people with mental health problems can reduce prejudice and discrimination.

It teaches people how to support others in need

Many people with mental health problems do not seek help or delay seeking help. A
person’s thinking and decision-making may be clouded so they cannot take effective action to help themselves. In this situation, people close to them can facilitate appropriate help. People with mental health problems are more likely to seek help if someone close to them suggests it.

It is effective

A number of research studies have shown that training in Mental Health First Aid results in better knowledge, attitudes and help-giving.