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MHFA CORE COURSES
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Overview
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This course teaches adults how to assist adolescents and young adults who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. Course participants learn about adolescent development, the signs and symptoms of the common and disabling mental health problems in young people, where and how to get help when a young person is developing a mental illness, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.
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Common points of interest:
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The Standard Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course provides a solid foundation, but the Youth MHFA variant dives deeper into the unique challenges young people face. Perfect for anyone working with or supporting youth, this course covers key topics in greater depth, including eating disorders, self-injury, and suicide, making it a vital resource for those on the front lines of youth wellbeing.
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While the course focuses on adolescents (upper primary to early 20s), the skills you’ll gain are just as valuable when supporting adults. If your role involves a mix of interactions with both young people and adults, we typically recommend choosing the Youth MHFA course to ensure a well-rounded, adaptable approach to mental health support.
Course Structure
& Inclusions:
At BLLC we pride ourselves on working with each organisation to find and create the perfect structure for course delivery.
This is a 14-hour course, which typically is delivered as either:
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A 2 days -back to back
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As 2 days -split
Course participants
will receive:
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The highest leave of professional accredited facilitation
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A copy of the most current Youth MHFA Manual
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Additional industry-relevant supplement manuals and resources- where required
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Registration and management of accreditation for all participants- including tracking of 3-year refresher requirements for full MHFA courses
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Ongoing post-training support and MHFA counselling for MHFA officers
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A Certificate of Completion &/or accreditation
Developing mental health problems covered:
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Depression
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Anxiety problems
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Psychosis
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Substance use problems
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Eating 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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Panic attacks
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Traumatic events
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Severe effects of drug or alcohol use
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Severe psychotic states
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Aggressive behaviours
What can I and my team expect from this accreditation?
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Participants are equipped with correct knowledge and appropriate tools to handle crisis situations within an emotionally sensitive and legally appropriate manner.
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A reduction in students arriving at a crisis point undetected.
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A clear and consistent protocol to ensure the emotional and physical wellbeing of staff and students.
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Pressure on school psychologists and leaders is reduced by having fellow adults correctly identifying and referring young people in need.
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Improved personal mental health of participants & reduction of stigmatic attitudes.
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Confidence in providing mental health first aid alongside increased support shown to co-workers.
Am I eligible?
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Any interested adult can attend. The purpose of this course is to help parents, professionals, social workers, and other concerned adults to better support our young people. Early intervention is key to risk minimization and the underpinning element upholding a duty of care requirement.
It’s also important to know that there is no prerequisite level of study or work to attend, just as there is no restriction on attending a traditional physical first aid course.
With that in mind, please don't consider this course to be a therapy or support group session. It's an extensive training program to learn how to offer mental first aid to others and understand self-care in more detail.
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Accreditation & CPD Points
Upon completing the course, participants will take a short, open-book online exam. Passing this exam earns participants a Mental Health First Aider Certificate, valid for three years.
Should participants not wish to complete the exam, they are presented with a certificate of completion with CPD points awarded regardless of exam completion. Most professionals can claim attendance towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD) within their industry body. Please check with your relevant industry body if you are unsure of allocation points.
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Below is a sample of industries that can award registered or self-appointed CPD points/hours. This list is by no means exhausted:
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Teachers
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Psychologists
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Social Workers
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Dieticians
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Speech Pathologists
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Audiologists and Audiometrists
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Lawyers in some states and territories of Australia
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Orthotists and Prosthetists