Community members and representatives from local community organisations in Hillston have completed a Mental Health First Aid course run by Bel Lindel, Social Worker from Griffith Community Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol.
Bel facilitated the Standard Mental Health First Aid Workshop, a two-day face to face workshop, in the Carrathool Shire Council Office for fourteen enthusiastic participants. The program consists of a variety of activities, interactive exercises and group discussions, as well as resources for the participants to keep.
“Most people are familiar with the idea of physical first aid courses that teach the skills and knowledge required to recognise and respond to life-threatening emergencies and provide a first aid response across a range of different situations,” said Bel.
“Mental Health First Aid training adopts a similar approach. Using a practical, skills-based action plan, participants learn the skills to recognise and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.”
Individuals who complete Mental Health First Aid training are known as MHFAiders. Equipped with the skills to listen, connect, and offer support when it matters most, MHFAiders play a vital role in reducing stigma and promoting pathways to support for those experiencing mental health problems in our workplaces, communities, schools, and tertiary institutions.
“I was speaking with Blaine, the Manager of the Hillston Hospital and Tameka, Allied Health Assistant and we identified the opportunity to upskill the Hillston community around mental health conversations, to lessen the stigma and judgement of mental health issues,” said Bel.
The workshop was delivered as a partnership between Hillston Hospital and Griffith Community Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Service.
“Feedback has been very positive with participants saying they feel more confident asking questions on mental health and suggesting pathways for seeking assistance and information regarding mental health.”
