What We Do
Mental Health First Aid Australia is a global, purpose-driven provider of mental health first aid education that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide support when it matters most.
Purpose
Provide high-quality, evidence-based, accessible mental health first aid education to everyone.
Vision
A world where we all have the skills to support people experiencing mental health problems.
Goal
1 in 10 Australians equipped with Mental Health First Aid training by 2030.
Listen, Connect, Support
For more than 21 years Mental Health First Aid Australia’s evidence-based training courses have equipped people with the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to listen, connect and support someone experiencing a mental health problem.
Our training courses serve as a bridge to professional care by guiding individuals on how to offer support and connect a friend, family member, co-worker or someone they know to appropriate resources and support.
For Anyone.
For Everyone.
We are committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based education programs that are guided by best practice and informed by the many voices of lived experience, their caregivers and mental health professionals.
We are one part of a multifaceted and complex mental health sector, working alongside others to improve outcomes for those living with mental illness.
What We Do
We provide early intervention mental health training programs that equip people with the practical skills and confidence to provide mental health first aid support to someone experiencing an emerging or worsening mental health problem or a mental health crisis, until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
How We Do It
Using a train-the-trainer model, our courses are delivered by a national network of Mental Health First Aid Australia trained and Licensed Instructors, in communities, workplaces, schools and tertiary institutions nationwide.
Our Aim
To improve mental health literacy, reduce stigma, create a more compassionate, informed society and build community capacity to support people experiencing mental health problems.
Our Guiding Principles
LIVED EXPERIENCE
We are informed by the lived experience of people with mental health problems and those who care for them.
EVIDENCE-BASED
We are evidence-based and use rigorous scientific research methods to create and evaluate our work.
EXCELLENCE
We are dedicated to achieving excellence in our work and are committed to continuous improvement.
DIVERSITY
We respect and embrace the diversity of all people.
ACCESSIBLE
We make mental health education accessible for all.
COMMUNITY FOCUSED
We care for and support our communities in all that we do.
Strategic Plan 2021-2025
Our strategic plan was created to provide clarity of purpose and to help guide our work and enhance our impact over a five-year period.
Annual Report 2022
Our latest annual report captures the breadth and impact of our work in 2022, highlighting our achievements and outlining our financial performance.
Our Impact
As a respected global leader of mental health first aid education, we have inspired an international movement that has seen our programs adopted in 29 countries, with more than 7 million people now trained worldwide.
29 countries
delivering our program
7 million+ people
trained worldwide
1.3 million+ people
trained in Australia
65,000+
Licensed Instructors in our global network
4,000+
Licensed Instructors nationwide
Explore more
Contact us
Please get in touch, if you’re interested in collaborating with Mental Health First Aid Australia on a research project.