A LOCAL community group is offering the Australian Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course at a subsidised cost to help volunteers and parents support young people who play sport.
To date, 150 local people have been trained by the Mitchell Mental Health and Wellbeing Network (MMHWN), formally known as the Mitchell Suicide Prevention Network.
Instructor, Roslyn Stewart has lived experience of mental illness and together with Phil Clancy they encourage sports clubs to register and to even refresh their current certifications.
The course is designed to help coaches and support staff, friends, family members, colleagues and others to learn simple but essential, MHFA skills, and there is an emphasis on real-life scenarios.
Participants will work through the full colour printed manual to learn the five steps to administer MHFA including how to listen without judgement, how to give support and information, how to assess for risk of suicide or harm and how to encourage a young person to seek appropriate support strategies, professional or self-help.
The latest edition has strengthened Indigenous content, focusing on culturally appropriate care.
The course is by no means a therapy or support group, it’s an in-depth course which is designed to save lives; it includes a chapter on substance use disorders and content that de-stigmatises mental health and how to care for a person who has self-harmed.
A minimum of six participants per course is required and clubs with low numbers can collaborate with another club and arrange to meet at a mutually suitable venue.
Then to become a certified Mental Health First Aider, participants will need to complete and pass an online test and upon passing the on-line assessment, a certificate, valid for three years will be issued.
Phil Clancy is seeing firsthand some of the negative effects of team sport.
“There are some elements in team sports that can be mentally disturbing, to some,” he said.
“We have first aid for sprains and concussions, but rarely anything for mental health.
“I would like to know that young people are happy after their game.”
To register your interest, email mitchellspn@gmail.com