A course to learn mental health first aid

EXPRESSIONS of interest are open for community members who want to get their mental health first aid accreditation.

The Golden Plains Shire has partnered with the Victoria Government to offer the training for free and it will be conducted by Culturise Wellbeing Activator Hugh Stagg.

Participants will be required to complete self-paced online modules which are expected to take five to seven hours before attending an instructor-led session on Monday 22 July from 1pm to 5pm at Bannockburn Cultural Centre.

People with strong ties to their communities, such as volunteers, coaches, local town coordinators and teachers, will be prioritised.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said the course will help participants’ ability to assist other people with their mental health.

“This course empowers participants with the skills to assist community members, friends or family members who may be developing a mental health problem,” he said.

“Understanding how to effectively provide support to someone struggling with their mental health is a very important skill.

“I encourage interested residents to complete an expression of interest and participate in this program.”

Expressions of interest are open until Monday 15 July and can be completed on the Golden Plains Shire website or in person at council’s Customer Hubs.

Culturise is a business that aims to boost communities’ wellbeing and inclusion by providing people with practical tools so that they, and those around them, can be healthier, safer, and perform better within their groups and workplaces.