First aid course for mental wellbeing

A MENTAL health training workshop is being offered to Golden Plain Shire residents, free of charge.

The online course will provide participants with the skills and knowledge to assist people experiencing mental health problems or in a crisis.

Mayor Cr Helena Kirby said the program, which was launched last year, comes from a collaboration between the Shire and the State Government’s Community Activation and Social Isolation initiative.

“Thanks to funding from the Victorian Government’s CASI program, we are able to provide a second round of the free mental health first aid training for community members in Golden Plains,” she said.

“In October 2020, we held three successful sessions which helped upskill 36 locals in how to assist their fellow community members who are developing or experiencing mental health challenges.

“With strong interest last year, it’s great that we can now provide more residents with this valuable training.”

CASI was established last year to help people maintain social connections and networks of support with their family, friends and community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The course will be delivered by Red Cross Geelong and consist of two components, a self-paced interactive online learning, and an instructor-led video conferencing group session.

The whole training takes place between 9.30am and 3.30pm on one of four days; Tuesday, 13 July, Monday, 9 August, Thursday, 16 September or Tuesday, 21 September.

While places are limited, first preference will be given to participants with a defined connection to a community or a group, such as a volunteer, coach or teacher.

Expressions of interest are open until Wednesday, 16 June and can be submitted by completing the online form at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/register and emailing the form to [email protected].