Mental Health First Aid Australia

About

Mental Health First Aid is a multi-award winning 12-hour course developed in 2001 by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm with the aim to improve the mental health literacy of members of the Australian community. Mental Health First Aid training can assist in early intervention and in the on-going community support of people with mental illnesses. It is useful for people employed in areas which involve increased contact with mental health issues and for carers of people with mental illnesses. The program has solid evidence for its effectiveness from randomised controlled trials and qualitative studies. It increases knowledge, reduces stigma and, most importantly, increases supportive actions. It even improves the mental health of first-aiders. Since 2001, the MHFA Training and Research Program has been developed, evaluated and disseminated nationally and internationally, and is currently delivered in 24 other countries.