Upskilling Adults with Mental Health First Aid Skills to Support Youth

The Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG), in partnership with Channel 4 Change, is pleased to offer Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training opportunities in February and March 2026.

These courses are fully funded thanks to Brenda Norman’s North Channel Swim, which raised close to $15,000. These funds aim to support 50 more adults to be trained by the end of 2026.

This training forms part of a wider, long-term community vision led by Deni MHAG — to ensure that 20% of local adults (around 175 more people) have the skills and confidence to recognise signs of mental distress, respond appropriately, and connect people to help by 2027.

Which Adults can benefit from this course ?

Parents, carers, grandparents, teachers, coaches, youth support workers, community members - anyone in our community who would like to learn more about supporting our youth who could be facing mental health challenges.

What is Youth Mental Health First Aid?

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to provide initial support to a young person aged 12–18 who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the situation stabilises.

Participants learn to:

• Recognise signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adolescents

• Respond to emerging or worsening mental health concerns

• Use a practical, evidence-based action plan to start supportive conversations

• Encourage and assist young people to seek professional help and other supports

  
  

Adults who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide mental health information and support when it matters most. The course is delivered in line with Mental Health First Aid Australia guidelines and is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program.

Course details

• 14-hour course, delivered over two consecutive days

• Fully subsidised (course delivery and materials covered)

• Participants pay a $20 registration fee to MHFA Australia

• Participants cover their own lunches

  
  

Register your interest

With your help, we can ensure that when someone is struggling, someone nearby knows what to do.

Deni MHAG is now inviting expressions of interest for the February and March 2026 courses.👉 Register online: https://www.denimentalhealth.org.au/training📧

Or email your expression of interest to lourene@bigpond.com