Mental health courses on offer down the coast

RESIDENTS in Lorne, Apollo Bay and across the Surf Coast will soon have access to important Mental Health First Aid courses at a hugely discounted price.

The team at Great Ocean Road Health has expanded its first aid course, which was exclusively offered to its staff, to local members discounting the two-day course’s price by more than $200.

“We are delighted to roll-out this life changing program to the community,” Great Ocean Road Health CEO Sandy Chamberlin said.

“Statistics have shown that people living in regional and remote areas of Australia face more barriers to accessing health care than those living in major cities.

“Our goal is to increase our mental health services, not just within our own health service but provide the valuable tools/foundations for our community members to recognise and respond to those who have mental health issues in their workplace or personal life.

“Hopefully this valuable first aid course will save lives, particularly within our younger community.”

Participants in the first aid course will learn how to assist an adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received using a practical, evidence-based action plan.

Presenter Sibeal Hurley said the course will be run on one day over two separate weeks accounting for the two-day requirement at the Marrar Woorn Neighbourhood House in Apollo Bay. Each day is set to run from 9am to 5pm.

“This course was created through the combination of lived experiences and input from trained professionals,” Ms Hurley said.

“Having taught this course a few times, the main takeaways I get from participants is that people always learn something new and always leave the course more confident in being able to help someone who is in a vulnerable place mentally.”

The course, previously valued at $250, has been reduced to just $20 with the first community session to be held on May 17 before the second on May 24.

The next course dates have been set at June 1 and June 8 with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

To find out more information about the course go to Great Ocean Road Health’s website mhfa.com.au/courses/public/types/standardedition4 or call its dedicated team on 5237 8500.