The 14-hour Youth Mental Health First Aid course is designed for adults who work, live, or care for adolescents aged 12-18. This comprehensive training equips participants with the skills to assist young people developing mental health issues or experiencing crises until professional help is available or the situation stabilises.
The course covers common mental health challenges among youth, including depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, substance use problems, and eating disorders. Participants will learn to recognise the warning signs and provide initial assistance in crisis situations such as suicidal thoughts and behaviours, non-suicidal self-injury, panic attacks, traumatic events, severe effects of drug or alcohol use, severe psychotic states, and aggressive behaviours.
The training is beneficial for school staff, parents, sports coaches, community group leaders, and youth workers. It is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of individuals with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.
The course can be delivered in various formats: face-to-face over two days, online with pre-learning and live online workshops, or a blended approach combining online pre-learning with in-person workshops. By completing this course, participants will enhance their mental health literacy, increase confidence in providing support, and contribute to the well-being of adolescents in their communities.
Enrolling in the Youth Mental Health First Aid course empowers adults to make a positive impact by providing essential support to young people in need.