EDUCATE. INSPIRE. EMPOWER.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Blended & Blended Online
Youth Mental Health
First Aid
Course 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 blended versions of the Youth MHFA program require self-paced online learning to be completed prior to either style of instructor lead learning.
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The maximum number of participants allowed in the virtual classroom is 12, as strictly set by MHFA Australia. This is only relevant for Component 2 of the Blended Online version.
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Although the central focus is on adolescence (upper primary to early 20’s), the skills and information taught through the course can also be applied to adults.
Course Structure
& Inclusions:
The Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course unfolds in the digital realm through two options:
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Both blended programs are broken into two components;
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Component 1 - A self-paced eLearning component (3-4 hours)
Followed by
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Component 2 - 3x 2.5 hr instructor-led virtual face-to-face sessions
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Component 2 - 1x 6 hr face-to-face session
Course participants
will receive:
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The highest leave of professional accredited facilitation
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Access to MHFA Australia's online learning platform
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A copy of the most current Youth MHFA Manual, first digitally to complete your eLearning, followed by a hard copy.​​
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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 your team expect from this nationally recognised 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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This course is open to any interested adult—no prior experience or qualifications needed.
Designed for parents, professionals, social workers, and other caring adults, it equips participants with the skills to better support young people and provide early intervention to help minimise risks.
Just like a traditional first aid course, there are no barriers to entry—only the opportunity to gain practical, life-changing knowledge. However, please note that this is not a therapy or support group; it’s a comprehensive training program focused on mental health first aid and self-care strategies to help you confidently assist others when they need it most.
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Accreditation & CPD Points
On completion of the course, participates are asked to complete a short online, open-book online exam of approx 15 questions. Upon passing participates will receive their Mental Health First Aiders Certificate which is valid for 3 years.
Renewal requires a short refresher course (just as a traditional first-aid certificate operates) and will be monitored and managed by BLLC. If participants do not wish to complete the exam they are presented with a certificate of completion with CPD points awarded regardless of exam completion.
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Most professionals can claim attendance towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD) within their industry body. Please check with your relevant industry body or BLLC 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