Mental Health First Aid: training & awareness key to suicide prevention

Suicide rates in regional Queensland are 1.5 times higher than the national average yet most of us would not know how to support a friend or loved on in crisis.

Leading mental wellbeing charity, selectability, is urging the community to take action and enrol in the two-day Mental Health First Aid training.

selectability Chief Operating Officer, Aaron Farrell, said the course provided the skills and knowledge that are so important when responding to someone in crisis.

 “Suicide prevention is everybody’s business and learning the skills to recognise the signs is a simple and effective way to respond to the problem,” said Mr Farrell

“Intervention and training programs that focus on teaching the skills for recognising at risk individuals and better equipping them to support and respond are vital in reducing the suicide deaths and attempts.

“With around 1 in 5 Australian adults experiencing symptoms of mental illness each year it is so crucial that people understand how to talk about mental health in a supportive way.

The MHFA course not only delivers practical tools and knowledge it also helps to reduce stigma that often prevents people seeking help early.

Five reasons to complete Mental Health First Aid:

• Increase your own knowledge and mental health literacy.
• Increase your confidence in providing mental health first aid.
• Learn how you can decrease the “stigma” around mental health.
• Learn how you can help your family, friends and co-workers at times of need.
• Be prepared when a mental health situation arises.

The next course is scheduled in Townsville for September 3 & 4 (9am – 3pm).

For more details and to register for visit selectabilitytraining.com.au.