Building a Stronger Community: Empowering our staff with Mental Health First Aid Training
Last year, DAS embarked on a mission to ensure that 100% of its staff were trained in Standard Mental Health First Aid. We couldn’t ignore the fact that “1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental health problem in any given year”, especially with the havoc COVID-19 wreaked on our community.
We are thrilled to share that all of our staff have now completed the training!
The power of Mental Health First Aid:
A Certificate in Standard Mental Health First Aid equips our dedicated team with practical skills to assess and respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises. It empowers them to support adults who may be developing mental health problems or facing worsening existing conditions. By providing timely assistance until professional help is obtained or the crisis subsides, our staff plays a crucial role in positively impacting the lives of our participants and the broader community.
““The training gave me valuable skills which enhance my ability to attentively listen and meaningfully engage with our participants while on support. These skills help me identify key phrases and body language expressed by participants that might indicate deeper thoughts and beliefs not yet explored. This may lead us through an open door for a safe and respectful conversation. This allows me to ensure that our participants are supported in the most comprehensive and holistic way.”
The Training:
Our staff undertook an enriching training program facilitated by our awesome in-house MHFA trainer, Nikki. Nikki’s lived experience and teaching background made this program special, as it spanned across two immersive days, packed with over 12 hours of invaluable content. This comprehensive approach ensures that our team remains up-to-date with the latest knowledge and techniques in Mental Health First Aid. The Certificate in Mental Health First Aid is valid for three years, after which staff can complete a refresher course to re-certify.
We didn’t stop at just our staff either. We opened up the program by offering it to some of our community partnerships too! We felt very strongly that the lessons taught from the program are valuable for all. In total we trained 78 people over the 12 months.
By empowering our staff with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to support positive mental health, we are fostering a stronger, more resilient community, making a real difference in the lives of our NDIS participants.
