Mental Health First Aid in the Victorian Department of Education
1 in 7
Young people experience a mental disorder in any given year.
Mental Illness
Young people are less likely than any other age group to seek professional help.
Almost 2 in 5
Young adults aged 16–24 experience a mental health problem.
Why Choose Mental Health First Aid?
Schools that prioritise mental health can empower students, parents, carers and staff to contribute to a compassionate and caring school community where everyone can thrive.
Mental Health First Aid is a practical skills-based education program that equips people with the skills and confidence needed to recognise and respond to someone they know who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
Grounded in research and guided by the voice of lived experience, our courses provide high-quality, safe and proven mental health first aid literacy and skills training to strengthen the support available to all Australians.
Empowering a whole-school approach to mental health
During the high school years, mental health problems are among the leading causes of falling grades, problems with friends and relationships and substance misuse, and they can have a lifelong impact.
Understanding how to talk about mental health and having the confidence and knowledge to help someone in need are important skills that everyone in the school community can learn.
This is where Mental Health First Aid training can help.
Watch this short video about Mental Health First Aid for your school
Courses available through the Mental Health Menu
The Victorian Department of Education and Training has developed the Schools Mental Health Fund, which supports Victorian Government schools to select programs and support services from an evidence-based menu. The menu helps schools best meet their students’ mental health and wellbeing needs.
There are three Mental Health First Aid training courses currently published on the Mental Health Menu, which schools can deliver using their allocated funding.
Youth MHFA Training for Adults Supporting Young People
For teachers, school staff and other adults to learn how to support a young person experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
Youth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Training for Adults Supporting Young People
For teachers, school staff and other adults to learn how to support an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander young person experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
Teen MHFA Training for Peer to Peer Support
For teens to learn how to provide initial support to a friend or classmate experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
Learn more about Mental Health First Aid training through the Mental Health Menu
Watch this video for an in-depth explainer of accessing Mental Health First Aid training using your Mental Health Menu funding.
Need Support?
I’ve noticed that everyone is more alert [since the training] – they look out for warning signs more and make sure you’re okay.
We were shown stories by people who actually went through mental health problems – they were teenagers, which is good because we could connect with them more.
It puts young people, and the adults in their lives, at the centre of their own mental health support network, by giving them the skills and knowledge to help those who may not be travelling so well.