Council will again deliver free online mental health first aid training for eligible community members.
Expressions of interest are now open for eligible community members wanting to gain their mental health first aid accreditation. Participants will learn how to assist a friend, family member or other members of the community who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The skills learnt in the course can be applied in any setting, with the course content tailored for delivery in a community setting.
The course will be delivered by Digging Deeper and there is no cost for participants. The program consists of two mandatory components:
1. Self-paced interactive eLearning (up to 5 hours – to be completed prior to the group session)
2. Instructor-led video conferencing group session (5 hours)
The group session will be held on Wednesday 26 October from 9.30am to 3pm. There will also be an optional 10 minute session held online prior to the training on Wednesday 12 October at 7pm to discuss the first component.
To ensure this evidence-based training effectively reaches and benefits the Shire’s communities, first preference will be given to participants who demonstrate a defined connection to a community or community group (i.e. volunteer, coach, community coordinator, teacher, etc.). Community groups and organisations may register a maximum of two participants.
Expressions of interest are open from Thursday 15 September to 12pm, Monday 10 October, 2022. To submit an expression of interest, complete the online form at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/mentalhealthfirstaid or download a copy and return to [email protected]. Places are limited and participants will be notified if their expression of interest is successful.
Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble says Council is pleased to be able to offer the free course to the community again in 2022.
Successful sessions have been held in 2020 and 2021, and it is fantastic that we can now provide more residents with this valuable training.
It is vital that residents have access to mental health support, and this free training program means there will be more support available within Golden Plains from friends, family and community members.
Knowing how to support someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis is an invaluable tool and I encourage all residents wanting to gain accreditation in this area to take advantage of this free program.
For further information, contact Council’s Health Promotion Officer on 5220 7111 or email [email protected].