Mental Health First Aid

Intended Audience:

UWA employees who wish to have a better understanding of mental disorders, and learn how to recognise and provide support to others who may be experiencing mental health issues.

Research has found that many people have a lack of knowledge on how to deal effectively with mental health issues. Poor understanding of anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, depression and psychosis has serious implications in that individuals suffering from symptoms may delay seeking appropriate treatment. Lack of knowledge and incorrect beliefs can also contribute significantly towards stigma and discrimination of people with a mental disorder.

Workshop Description:

Mental Health First Aid is a 12 hour course developed by the Centre of Mental Health Research at the Australian National University. UWA is the first University in Western Australia to offer the course to staff.

Intended Outcomes:

Participants will learn:-

• How to recognise the symptoms of mental illnesses.
• The possible causes or risk factors for these illnesses.
• The evidenced-based medical, pyschological and alternative treatments available.
• How to give appropriate initial help and support to a person suffering one of these illnesses.
• How to take appropriate action if a crisis situation arises involving suicidal behaviour, panic attack, stress reaction to trauma or threatening psychotic behaviour.

Key Activities:

• Learning about mental health disorders and their prevalence in Australian Society
• Group discussion
• Video presentations and case scenarios

Duration:

4 x 3 hour sessions

Dates and Times:

• Workshop 1: Tuesday 16 June 2009: 9:30am - 4:30pm, and Friday 19 June 2009: 9:30am - 4:30pm
• Workshop 2: Tuesday 25 August 2009: 9:30am - 12:30pm and Friday 28 August 2009: 9:30am - 12:30pm and Tuesday 1 September 2009: 9:30am - 12:30pm and Friday 4 September 2009: 9:30am - 12:30pm

Venue:

• Love House, 28 Broadway, Seminar Room 1

Facilitator:

Averil Riley, Senior Occupational Therapist, Safety and Health, UWA

Cost:

UWA staff members and UWA affiliates will receive priority in gaining access to this session. Participant enrolment in this workshop will be confirmed following the closing date for applications. Please note a cancellation fee may apply for non-attendees. We also welcome enrolment by non-UWA participants, subject to availability. The commercial fee for non-UWA attendees is calculated at $100 per hour of attendance. Staff working in other universities will receive a 20% discount on the commercial fee.

Number of Places:

24

Closing Dates:

• Workshop 1: Registration for this workshop closed on Tuesday 19 May 2009 .
  
• Workshop 2: Registration for this workshop closed on Monday 10 August 2009 .
  

TRIM Number:F21039