Sign Up For Mental Health First Aid Course

Media Release

Eligible community members are invited to sign up for mental health first aid training.

Council has partnered with the Victorian Government’s Community Activation and Social Isolation initiative (CASI) to provide a free online course for Golden Plains Shire residents. Participants will be provided with the skills, knowledge and confidence to assist people who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis, until appropriate help is received or the crisis resolves.

The course will be delivered by Red Cross Geelong and there is not cost for participants. The program consists of two components:

  1. Self-paced interactive eLearning (5 to 7 hours – to be completed prior to the group session)
  2. Instructor-led video conferencing group session (5 hours)

Participants can select their preferred date for the group sessions on:

  • Tuesday 13 July, 9.30am to 3.30pm
  • Monday 9 August, 9.30am to 3.30pm
  • Thursday 16 September, 9.30am to 3.30pm
  • Tuesday 21 September, 9.30am to 3.30pm

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.

Places are limited, and participants will be notified if their expression of interest is successful. If Council receives more applications than places, a waiting list will be created and Council will explore opportunities to run future courses.

Mayor Cr Helena Kirby says Council is excited to be able to offer the free course again in 2021.

“Thanks to funding from the Victorian Government’s CASI program, we are able to provide a second round of the free Mental Health First Aid Training for community members in Golden Plains.

“In October 2020, we held three successful sessions which helped upskill 36 locals in how to assist their fellow community members who are developing or experiencing mental health challenges. With strong interest last year, it’s great that we can now provide more residents with this valuable training.”

To submit an expression of interest, complete or download the form online here and email the form to [email protected]. Community members unable to access the form online are encouraged to call 5220 7227. Expressions of interest close at 5pm, Wednesday 16 June, 2021.

The CASI program was established to help people maintain important connections with family, friends and community, and to build new social connections and networks of support in local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery.

Register Your Interest

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