First aid training for mental health in Portarlington

Mental Health First Aid training taking place in Portarlington next month will teach practical skills to support someone with a mental health problem.

The 12-hour educational course – which is not a therapy or support group – is being run by two experienced registered mental health nurses, Karen Bourke-Finn and Helen Walters.

People who attend the two-day course will be able to recognise common mental health problems, provide initial help using a practical, evidence-based Action Plan, seek appropriate professional help, and respond in a crisis situation.

Ms Bourke-Finn said 2020 was an unusual year and had brought to the workplace many unprecedented stressors, especially concerning the mental health and wellbeing of workers being challenged by working remotely from their peers and managers, balancing other life stressors such as home schooling, caring for vulnerable elders and the overall global impact of COVID-19.

“With this rising focus on employee wellbeing, corporations are becoming increasingly aware of the mental health needs of their employees and making this a priority area,” she said.

Ms Bourke-Finn said the Australian Productivity Commission Report on Mental Health had made recommendations to government regarding mentally healthy workplaces.

“In addition to this, we have all been aware of the findings of the Royal Commission into Mental Health in Victoria and recognise the need for an all of society approach to supporting individuals with their mental health and wellbeing,” she said.

Ms Bourke-Finn and Ms Walters, from Sustainable Me, have enormous passion, motivation and innovation for optimising mental health and wellbeing in workplaces and more broadly in the community.

The training will take place at Portarlington Tennis Club on Thursday, April 15, and Friday, April 16, between 10am and 5pm.

For more information, phone Ms Bourke-Finn on 0438 848 617 or email [email protected].