Online Workshop: Mental Health First Aid - 11/06/2025

Date: 11/06/2025

Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm AEDT

Upon completion of the Mental Health First Aid course, participants emerge as empowered advocates for mental health within their organisations and communities. Armed with knowledge, compassion and practical skills, they are better prepared to make a positive difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges. 

In today's fast-paced world, mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent. The Mental Health First Aid course offers an essential toolkit for individuals to recognise, understand and respond to mental health crises effectively.  

The course begins with an exploration of common mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, schizophrenia and psychosis. Participants gain a deep understanding of the signs and symptoms associated with these conditions, dispelling myths and reducing stigma along the way. 

Through engaging presentations, interactive discussions, and real-life scenarios, participants learn practical strategies for providing initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis. They develop skills in active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental communication, fostering an environment of trust and understanding. 

Participants also delve into crisis intervention and casual counselling techniques, learning how to assess risk, provide reassurance, and connect individuals with appropriate professional help. Role-playing exercises allow them to practice these skills in a safe and supportive environment, building confidence and competence. 

This training course equips participants with valuable knowledge about self-care and mental wellness practices, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their own wellbeing while supporting others. Topics such as stress management, professional boundary-setting, and accessing support resources are explored in-depth. 

Duration and Format 

This training will be delivered via a blended model including 5-7 hours of self-paced learning and a whole day online workshop 9.30am – 4.30pm. 

Learning outcomes  

At the end of this workshop, you'll be able to: 

• Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in adults. 

• Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation. 

• Assess for a range of crisis and non-crisis situations and provide initial support. 

• Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses, risk factors and treatments and support available. 

• Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider. 

Please note: This course is accredited by Mental Health First Aid Australia (MHFA). You can complete the short assessment at the end of a course to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider). 

Accreditations are valid for 3 years. 

Ideal for 

Community organisation workers, school staff, health professionals, youth workers, child and family workers, and counsellors. 

About the presenters 

Felicity Vance is a lead programs facilitator with the Training and Development team. She is a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and has qualifications in Family and Domestic Violence Practice, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Business and a Master of Teaching. Felicity is experienced in the provision of family violence, mental health, healthy relationships, gender equality and psychoeducational services. Felicity has experience working with correctional cohorts including facilitating and leading programs for individuals engaged with the correctional system, as well as working with organisations to improve their gender diversity. Felicity is passionate about working in the primary prevention area of family violence and mental health and blends her professional and personal experience to engage people from all walks of life. 

Luke Pepperell is a lead programs facilitator for the Rehabilitation and Reintegration team. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Certificate IV in Mental Health, is a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and is currently undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Relationship Counselling specialising in family violence. Luke has been facilitating programs for people who use violence for almost three years within the community and prison environment. Previously he has worked for the Centre for Law Enforcement and Public Health as a research assistant looking at how to reduce gender-based violence from a global perspective. Additionally, Luke supervises correctional staff across Victoria and supports them on delivering strength-based psycho-educational programs. 

Registration information 

• When you register, you'll be taken to our payment gateway to complete your registration. A new account will be automatically created for you in our Learning Management System (Moodle). 

• Registrations for scheduled workshops close 48 hours before the event. 

• Workshops must be paid for at least 2 business days before the training date, or your registration will be cancelled.  

• If paying by invoice, proof of payment needs to be provided at least 24 hours ahead of the event. 

Training Workshops Cancellation Statement [PDF, 1MB]  

Other information 

Please note that you'll need access to the following to participate in this workshop: 

• Desktop or laptop computer 

• Reliable internet connection 

• Headphones recommended 

• Microphone/speakers 

• Webcam (built in or external to your computer) 

Contact us 

Training and Development Team 
Phone: (03) 8573 2222 
Email: ravtraining@rav.org.au