When you think of ‘first aid’, you probably imagine a few bandages and a packet of paracetamol. However, the term is being used by mental health services when teaching how to prevent and aid mental health problems.
Campaspe Shire Council Mayor Chrissy Weller said Council was pleased to announce Youth Mental Health First Aid courses are now on offer, completely free of charge, for residents aged 18 to 25.
“In February, Council received $180,000 in Engage! funding provided by the State’s Office of Youth. These courses are just one of many events in the making.
“The Youth Mental Health First Aid courses are highly sought after. Fundamentally, the course is about being able to correctly support your friends if you’re concerned for their wellbeing or if they are experiencing a mental health crisis.
“The course teaches participants the signs and symptoms of common and often disabling mental health problems in adolescents, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, psychosis and substance use problems.
“They equip participants with the knowledge on how to gain initial help, where and how to get professional help and what sort of help has been shown to be effective.
“The term ‘first aid’ comes in when they’re taught how to provide mental health first aid in a crisis situation, using practical, evidence-based action plans.
“These courses are normally valued at $250 per person, but thanks to the Engage! funding we can provide these to our young Campaspe adults completely free of charge.
“I would encourage those interested to apply as soon as possible, as seats are limited to a total of 40 participants.”
The course is made up of two components; a four hour self-paced interactive module and one full day face-to-face group session.
Two group sessions will be provided, the first at the Echuca East Reserve Multi-Purpose Building on Monday, 20 June and the second at the Rushworth Community House on Tuesday, 21 June. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
To be eligible to attend, you must be a resident of Campaspe Shire aged between 18 and 25.
