Building a Stronger, More Supportive Team
‘Volunteers Complete Mental Health First Aid Training’
On September 18 and 19, two of our dedicated Volunteers and our Coordinator took part in the Standard Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training, a nationally recognised program designed to equip adults with the skills to support others experiencing mental health challenges.
This important initiative was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of The Mutual Bank Maitland, whose support enabled our team to access this valuable training opportunity.
The MHFA course teaches participants how to provide initial support to another adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves. Through this training, our team learned to:
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adults.
- Respond to emerging or worsening mental health concerns.
- Understand the treatments and supports available.
- Use a practical, evidence-based action plan to approach someone they’re concerned about.
- Initiate a conversation, offer initial support and information, and encourage the person to seek professional help or other supports.
By completing the course, our team members are now officially Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) — equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide mental health support when it matters most.
For our organisation, this training is more than just a qualification. It strengthens our ability to care for one another as we carry out our volunteer work in palliative care — a space that can be emotionally demanding and deeply personal. With these new skills, our team is better prepared to recognise when a fellow volunteer may be struggling and offer timely, compassionate support.
We are proud of our Volunteers and Coordinator for their commitment to learning and growth, and deeply grateful to The Mutual Bank for supporting this initiative.
Use this link to read more about the Mental Health First Aid Course.
