Evolving the MHFA Experience
We’re evolving how people learn, connect and grow with MHFA in Australia. This page will support the instructor community through the upcoming changes.
As we move toward our goal of strengthening support for the MHFA community and reaching 3 million Australians trained by 2030, we’re introducing new initiatives to strengthen the MHFA community and enhance the learner experience. This will result in a new Learner Access Pass, effective from 2 February 2026.
A new mandatory Learner Access Pass is being introduced in 2026 to support the development of initiatives designed to support, grow and mobilise the MHFAider network.
What is changing?
From 2 February 2026, all instructor-led MHFA courses will include a Learner Access Pass – a one-time, per-participant payment of $20 + GST, purchased in advance through the MHFA Shop.
This pass is designed to support improved course delivery, streamlined systems, and post-training support and services. This will ensure every learner – or MHFAider – has access to high-quality training, practical tools, valuable resources, and ongoing connection opportunities. It also enables Instructors to deliver stronger, more sustainable programs across Australia.
The purpose
The Learner Access Pass has been introduced to ensure the ongoing quality, sustainability, impact and growth of MHFA programs in Australia. It contributes to:
✔️ Improved systems to make registration, onboarding and certification more seamless for both learners and instructors
✔️ Enhanced learner tools and digital resources so learners can access up-to-date, evidence-based materials post-course – helping to support safer, more mentally healthy workplaces that reinforce psychological safety
✔️ Ongoing community engagement through a new MHFAider Champions Hub, providing opportunities to engage with MHFA beyond the training
✔️ Continued skill and confidence-development via post-course supports and new learning opportunities
✔️ Consistent, high-quality course experiences ensuring every participant, no matter where they learn, receives quality training
✔️ Program innovation to strengthen the way MHFA is delivered ensuring the training remains relevant, evidence-based and impactful at scale
✔️ A stronger, more sustainable MHFA community to empower Instructors, MHFAiders and organisations to keep supporting each other and their communities.
Inclusions
✔️ Initial setup and onboarding support
✔️ Access to digital platforms and resources
✔️ Administrative processing and system integration
✔️ Ongoing improvements to enrolment and service delivery
A critical component of this is the introduction of the new MHFAider Champions Hub in development. We’ve included information below about this, and invite you to take part in an information briefing to the MHFA community in early November to learn more.
Why we’re making these changes?
To grow sustainably and strengthen the impact of MHFA, we’re investing in new ways to support every part of the MHFA community – learners, MHFAiders, Instructors and workplaces.
Strengthening support and confidence
Through surveys and feedback, MHFAiders and workplaces have told us they want more opportunities to stay connected, access tools, and continue learning after their training. This approach will help deliver these supports, providing more ways to refresh knowledge and maintain confidence in using mental health first aid skills.
Increasing retention and re-accreditations
Only 8% of MHFAiders that complete a core course go on to complete a Refresher course. By increasing post-course engagement, connections and learning opportunities, we are working to increase retention to ensure more learners continue to refresh their skills and accreditations.
The benefits of these will flow onto workplaces, having the confidence that investment in the training will result on post-training support and resources – and to instructors, who will retain more MHFAiders and opportunities for ongoing engagement.
How are we supporting you through the changes?
Mental Health First Aid has developed a range of resources to help you understand and navigate the upcoming changes:
This webpage
Access all the information you need to understand the changes – this will be added to as more supports become available
Share an official communication with your clients or network to help them understand the changes
Watch the recorded online briefing covering the Learner Access Pass, MHFAider Champions Hub and innovations supporting the growth of MHFA
Explore frequently asked questions to learn more about the changes and what they mean for you via the public Help Centre or the Instructor Help Centre
Instructor Help Desk
Instructors can contact instructors@mhfa.com.au to get dedicated support from our Instructor Specialists (or mhfa@mhfa.com.au) for the broader community
What is the MHFAider Champion Hub?
The MHFAider Champions Hub is a new membership platform in development, designed to keep MHFAiders connected, confident and supported long after their training is complete.
The Hub provides on-demand tools, practical activities and opportunities to refresh skills, practise knowledge, and stay engaged with the MHFA community. MHFAiders will also enjoy exclusive discounts on MHFA products and events, and access to future innovations like peer support programs, discussion boards, and interactive learning tools.
These developments have been shaped through consultation with our National MHFA Instructor Reference Group and MHFAider Advisory Group, whose insight and enthusiasm have helped guide what this next stage of MHFA looks like – and how we can best strengthen the community together.
As a member of the MHFAider Champions Hub, MHFAiders can continue to build their confidence, apply their skills in real-world settings, and stay connected to a strong community of peers dedicated to early intervention and prevention.
| Feature comparison |
MHFAider Resource Hub
|
MHFAider Champions Hub
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| A support app – including easy access to certificates, digital platforms and promotional material | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| On-demand tools and resources – a refreshed library of MHFA materials designed to help keep knowledge up to date | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Skills practice and learning activities – like short quizzes and interactive scenarios that help MHFAiders maintain confidence and up-to-date skills | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Exclusive discounts – for MHFA merchandise, online product innovations, and special events like summits and gala dinners | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Future innovations – we’re already exploring new features such as reflection tools, a national supports directory, peer support and mentoring programs, discussion boards, and AI chatbots to make help-giving even easier. | ✘ | ✔︎ |
