12 HOUR - STANDARD MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COURSE
A comprehensive course for any adult wanting to learn MHFA skills

A COURSE FOR EVERYBODY
The 12-Hour Standard MHFA Course empowers you to respond with confidence and care.
Step Up for Mental Health in Your Workplace or Community
Why take the 12-Hour Standard Mental Health First Aid Course?
Because mental health challenges affect 1 in 5 Australian adults every year—and many people don’t know how to respond when someone is struggling.
The Standard MHFA course teaches adults how to provide initial support to other adults who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
Grounded in research and developed by Mental Health First Aid Australia, this training is evidence-based, practical, and nationally recognised
For Workplaces: Meet Your Mental Health Obligations
Under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, employers are required to protect both the physical and mental wellbeing of their staff. The Standard MHFA course helps workplaces to:
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Create a mentally healthy culture
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Reduce stigma and encourage early intervention
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Align with WHS requirements and psychological safety standards
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Strengthen wellbeing and employee support programs
Training employees in MHFA empowers your team to respond effectively to mental health issues among colleagues and clients, contributing to a safer, more supportive workplace.
For Communities: Make a Difference in Everyday Life
Mental health challenges are common—but so is the opportunity to help. The MHFA course gives people the tools to safely and confidently support someone they care about, whether it’s:
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A friend or family member
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A neighbour or fellow community member
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Someone they serve through volunteering or support roles
This training is ideal for:
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Community leaders and volunteers
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Carers and support workers
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Coaches, mentors, and faith-based group leaders
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Anyone who wants to be more prepared to help
By learning Mental Health First Aid, you become a point of early support in your community—someone who can make a real difference at a critical time.
What You’ll Learn
Across the 12-hour course (delivered in person or in a blended format), participants will gain:
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Skills to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adults
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Confidence to approach and assist someone in distress
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An understanding of how to provide support until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves
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Knowledge of evidence-based mental health treatments and supports
Topics include:
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Depression
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Anxiety problems
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Psychosis
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Substance use problems
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Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
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Non-suicidal self-injury
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Aggressive behaviours and crisis situations
Flexible Delivery Options
We offer onsite, online, or blended delivery, making it easy to integrate MHFA into your workplace or community setting. Options for group bookings, PD days, and tailored delivery are available.
About Your Instructor
Mark Smith is a highly experienced Standard MHFA Instructor with over 35 years in the education, health, disability, and community sectors. As a Consultant Trainer with MHFA Australia, Mark not only delivers courses nationwide but also trains and assesses new instructors, maintaining the high standards of the MHFA program.
Mental health problems covered are:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Psychosis
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Substance use problems
Mental health crisis situations covered are:
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Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
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Non-suicidal self-injury (sometimes called deliberate self-harm)
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Panic attacks
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Traumatic events
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Severe effects of drug or alcohol use
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Severe psychotic states
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Aggressive behaviours
