Springwood, Winmalee and Blackheath neighbourhood centres have joined forces to support workshops to help people understand mental health issues.
Mental Health First Aid is an accredited workshop designed to give participants the knowledge and skills to support someone who might be showing signs of a mental health issue.
The training is run over two days by accredited facilitator and Mountains resident Jane Armstrong.
The training doesn’t replace the need for mental health professionals but does create a community that recognises the benefits of supporting those in need.
The support might be in just that moment or it might be in accessing a professional to assist in the ongoing care of the person.
The training helps break down the stigma of mental illness by addressing misconceptions and by giving practical resources to give the mental health first aider the confidence to assist someone.
There are two workshops scheduled in the next few weeks. One is designed for adolescents/young people and will be held at Winmalee centre on September 9 and 10. The other is a general mental health focussed group at the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre on October 12 and 13.
Bookings are essential and can be made by calling Springwood Neighbourhood Centre on 4751 3033.
The course costs $95 which covers the cost of morning and afternoon tea and the course manual.
