Co-facilitated by Leon Jones and Maxine Ryder from Central West Mental Health Service, the training equipped attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to provide mental health support to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. The training focused on the initial stage of support; identifying and assisting someone who may be experiencing mental health issues or a mental health crisis, until professional support is received or the crisis is resolved.
The course ensures participants are grounded in social and emotional well-being and can administer mental health first aid in a culturally safe and informed way.
NACC staff and MARP Rangers learned about signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adults, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the supports available, including cultural context to community-based care.
Western Mulga Ranger Jerome says the course was invaluable.
“I learned a lot more about the signs of depression and also how drugs and alcohol can affect both Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people in communities.”
Using practical, evidence-based action plans, Leon and Maxine talked the group through the safest ways to approach someone they are concerned about and initiate a conversation. Participants also learned about how and when to encourage someone to seek professional, cultural and other supports.
Our team of staff and Aboriginal Rangers have been equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to become accredited Mental Health First Aiders and provide someone with adequate mental health information and support when it matters most. Thank you to Leon and Maxine for creating a safe learning environment to deliver this course.
To find out more, head to Mental Health First Aid International’s website.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian Governments National Indigenous Australians Agency, NACC NRM, and APA Group.