
MHFA CORE COURSES
Teen Mental Health First Aid
What Will Students Learn?
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Students learn the teen MHFA Action Plan, as well as information about different types of mental health problems and mental health crisis situations in young people, and the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Rather than discussing in depth individual mental illnesses, the focus is on learning to recognise changes in thoughts, feelings and behaviour that indicate that there might be a mental health problem.
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The course also covers mental health crisis situations, including suicidal thoughts and behaviours, non-suicidal self-injury, intoxication, and bullying and abuse.
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In the senior program students (Graded 10 to 12), the focus is on crisis interventions, which involve frank discussions of suicide. A sharp, well-written and powerful video showing a young man helping a suicidal friend is used to demonstrate how to talk about suicide and assist someone who is having thoughts of suicide along with a range of support tools.
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In the junior program (Grades 7-9), crises are not as heavily emphasised. The focus is directed toward noticing change and the connections between thoughts feeling and behaviours, however the same action plan is taught and information provided where relevant to ensure all required learning opportunities are fully and adequately met.
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Both courses have a central focus of getting an adult involved whilst equipping our students with the skills they need to keep not only their friends but themselves safe.
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For a summary of research data, manual content and objectives, please download the What is teen MHFA? Booklet here.
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Course Structure
& Inclusions:
​Who can hold & attend this course?
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This is course is most popular with secondary schools, sporting clubs and community/ youth groups. Any organisation that has an interested body of young people in Grades 7 through 12 can take part.
Course participants
will receive:
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The highest leave of professional accredited facilitation from a proficient educational professional
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Individually prepared FAQ sheets for school staff, students and parents to aid in course preparation
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A copy of the most current teen MHFA Manual
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Additional relevant resources
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A Certificate of Completion - Hard copy to put towards student portfolios/ resumes
Course Delivery
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The fixed delivery format is three interactive classroom sessions of approx.75 min.​
This is an OPT-OUT, not an OPT-IN program, and therefore, designed to be delivered to entire grades in classes no larger than 30 per session.
Developing mental health problems covered:
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Anxiety disorders
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Depressive disorders
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Eating disorders
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Alcohol and other drug use disorders
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Psychotic disorders
Mental health crisis situations covered:​
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Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
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Non-suicidal self-injury (sometimes called deliberate self-harm)
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Being very intoxicated from alcohol and other drugs
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Bullying or abuse
Important Considerations​
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This renowned program is grounded in proven safe practice. Please speak with us to discuss the logistical requirements around the delivery of this program.
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Please note that this training is not recommended for an entire group of at-risk young people, nor is this course a therapy or group support session.
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The entire cohort must be involved, not a select number of chosen or volunteering students. All organisations should, therefore, present this course as an opt-out program rather than an opt-in.
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This course can not be run as a mass group- groups have a max of 30 per class.
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This course cannot be run on a single day, nor can it be run on consecutive days- this is non-negotiable. Sessions must be spread out, ideally with one session each week for 3 weeks.
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Adults who care for or work with this group of young people must have completed the Youth MHFA course prior; within a school, the requirement is that at least 10% of staff be accredited as Youth Mental Health First Aiders.
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Information for parents, staff and students in preparation for the training, including the viewing of a short video, must be distributed before the commencement of training.