top of page
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Hands holding brain teal.jpg
Aboriginal MHFA_icon

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA)

24 pax | 2 x 7 hour days | Face-to-face

Target Audience: Indigenous and Non Indigenous Staff, Managers, Supervisors, Peer Supporters and Health & Safety Representatives

Course Overview

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid course is a nationally recognised, strengths-based program developed and reviewed in consultation with Australia's First Nations people. The course equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and cultural understanding to recognise, engage, and support an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, in a culturally safe and informed way.

Grounded in social and emotional wellbeing from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective, this evidence-based course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program. Participants receive a 3-year accreditation as a certified Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider).

What Participants Learn

  • Increase mental health awareness and cultural understanding across the workforce

  • Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults

  • Understand the prevalence, impact, and risk factors for mental illness in First Nations communities

  • Build cultural confidence and competence when supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues

  • Apply an evidence-based action plan to initiate a culturally safe mental health first aid conversation

  • Identify and overcome barriers to support-seeking

  • Respond effectively to a range of crisis situations

  • Connect individuals with local, cultural, and professional supports

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

  • Reduce stigma and strengthen a culture of care

Course Outline

  • Mental health awareness through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lens

  • Social and emotional wellbeing from a First Nations perspective

  • Cultural considerations and culturally safe practice

  • Signs, symptoms, and prevalence of common mental health problems impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults

  • Depression, with culturally informed scenarios

  • Anxiety, with culturally informed scenarios

  • Alcohol, other drugs, and substance use problems

  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviours

  • Non-suicidal self-injury

  • Psychosis and severe psychotic states

  • Crisis first aid

  • The evidence-based MHFA action plan, applied in culturally safe conversations

  • Local and cultural supports, resources, and community-based care pathways

  • Self-care for the MHFAider

Audience Fit and Notes

This 14-hour course is led by an MHFA-trained and Licensed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Instructor and is available face-to-face. It draws on lived experience stories, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander photography, film, and art to ensure representation matters and learning outcomes are strong. On successful completion, participants receive a nationally recognised 3-year accreditation as a certified Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider), equipping them with the cultural confidence and practical skills to make a meaningful difference in the workplace and community.

Build stronger Communities, Organisations and Sporting Clubs

Give your club, community group or organisation the confidence to recognise, respond to and support mental health. Book evidence based training with In Minds Training and empower coaches, volunteers, leaders and members through flexible face to face and online programs across NSW and Australia.

bottom of page