First responders invited to new mental health workshop

A NEW workshop aimed at assisting emergency service workers’ mental health has arrived in Torquay.

Local units and first response workers on the Surf Coast are being invited to attend a Mental Health Matters program at Torquay Marine Rescue Service (TMRS) this Saturday, beginning at 9.00am.

TMRS secretary and workshop facilitator Kath Mazylis says the workshop, run by the Emergency Services Foundation, is a terrific way for essential workers to broaden their mental health toolkit.

“I’ve spoken to a few people that have undertaken this course and they all say they walked away from the session with so much more information than before,” Ms Mazylis said.

“It’s also about breaking the stigma around mental health, identifying symptoms early, knowing who your support crew is and how to effectively ask “are you okay?”.”

L-R: Torquay Marine Rescue Service crew members Kath Mazylis, Peter Campbell and Tim Mugridge are leading the charge in facilitating the new Mental Health Matters program.

Other topics covered in the Mental Health Matters workshop include talking about the concept of mental fitness, where to get help and how to help others.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring along their personal support person or partners.

Ms Mazylis says the program is specifically designed with partners and support people of emergency service volunteers in mind.

“We’re in an arena where we don’t always see nice things, and no one sees the effect that has on us better than those closest to us,” Ms Mazylis said.

“That’s why we encourage support people and partners to come down to the workshop and learn these mental health tools as well.”

TMRS volunteer and crew member Tim Mugridge said the workshop provides a chance for agencies in the region to strengthen their partnerships following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We work hand-in-hand with other agencies like Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, the local life-saving clubs such as Torquay and Jan Juc, and we have a good relationship with them,” Mr Mugridge said.

“We often only speak with other first responders on-duty, so it’ll be a good chance to meet them in an informal situation and build out the local network.”

Head to the Torquay Marine Rescue Service’s Facebook page to RSVP to the event.