Responding to mental health challenges

READ the Play is teaming up with Mental Health First Aid Australia (MHFA) to deliver two training courses.

Designed for workplaces, clubs and community groups, participants will have the options of completing the Standard Mental First Aid or the Youth Mental First Aid training.

Both courses are delivered by accredited MHFA Australia Instructors, backed by research and evidence and available as full-day or blended as online and face-to-face options.

As part of the Standard Mental Health First Aid, participants will learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health challenges in adults.

The training will provide people with the skills and knowledge to recognise, respond to, and support someone during a mental health problem or crisis.

In the Youth Mental Health First Aid, the focus will be on adults supporting young people between the ages of 12 and 18, perfect for coaches, teachers, mentors, volunteers, parents and youth-facing professionals.

Read the Play general manager Michelle Gerdtz said their mission was to build mentally strong, connected communities through sport with MHFA training a powerful extension of that work.

“Hosting MHFA allows us to provide valuable, evidence-based tools that help individuals feel confident in recognising and responding to mental health challenges, whether that’s in the workplace, within families, or in local sporting environments.”

Ms Gerdtz said Read the Play hoped people walked away from training feeling empowered.

“Whether it’s the confidence to check in on a friend, guide a young person toward support, or simply have more informed conversations, these small actions can make a big difference.

“Mental health affects all of us, and yet so many people still feel unsure about what to say or do when someone is struggling.

“MHFA training breaks down that uncertainty and stigma, creating a safer, more supportive environment by equipping people with the skills to have helpful conversations, offer support early, and connect others with the help they need.”

Topics around depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis and substance use problems will be covered, while the youth first aid course also includes training around eating disorders.

All funds raised from the training will help Read the Play deliver youth mental health programs free of charge to thousands of young people in sporting clubs.

The Standard Mental Health First Aid training will take place on April 30 and May 1 at GMHBA Stadium.

Youth Mental Health First Aid will be delivered through a blended course online and in person in July.

To register and for more information, head to readtheplay.org.au/training-mhfa

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