Bridging the gap between care and confidence 

For over 21 years, Jenny has been delivering Mental Health First Aid training to communities and workplaces across Australia. This dedication was recognised at the National MHFA Instructor Summit Awards for the longest standing instructor.  

Her journey with Mental Health First Aid began in 2004 while working on a postnatal depression project at a regional health service. 

“I asked one of the nurses whether she had information available for new mothers about postnatal depression. 

“She told me she had pamphlets and printed resources, but she kept them ‘hidden away, out of sight’ until she saw a woman who she ‘could tell’ needed them,” Jenny recalls. 

That conversation changed how Jenny understood the gap between intention and action. Even within healthcare settings, stigma was shaping the way medical professionals offered support to those who needed it. 

“Many nurses, midwives and MCHNs were doing their best with limited tools. They needed accessible, evidence-based information about common mental health conditions. 

“The stigma and uncertainty surrounding mental health problems were so strong that even well-intentioned health professionals hesitated to display or offer resources openly,” Jenny says. 

Turning concern into action 

Seeing this gap, Jenny reached out to Mental Health First Aid co-founder Betty Kitchener AM to organise an Instructor Training Course (ITC) to be delivered in her regional area.  

“That opportunity opened the door for me to begin facilitating MHFA courses, and I’ve been committed to this work ever since,” Jenny shares. 

More than two decades later, Jenny continues to deliver MHFA with the same purpose – helping people feel confident to notice changes and start conversations. 

Building understanding, not just knowledge 

For Jenny, being an MHFA Instructor is about more than delivering information. 

“The role can be challenging and emotionally demanding, but I’ve learned that meaningful change often begins in moments of discomfort. 

“At its heart, the role is about helping people understand the prevalence and impact of mental health problems through evidence-based information, human stories and lived experience. 

“We hold space for participants to speak openly, ask questions and explore their own assumptions in a safe learning environment. 

“Knowing that I’m contributing to stigma reduction keeps me grounded in this work. It’s this combination of purpose, impact and hope that continues to motivate me to deliver MHFA for as long as I’m able to do so.” 

From the training room to the real world 

Jenny has heard many stories about how the skills and knowledge she teaches have impacted a person’s ability to help others. One story – shared months after a course – stands out. 

“She had noticed someone who seemed withdrawn and sad. Instead of walking past, she used the confidence and skills she’d gained from MHFA to start a conversation.” 

She followed the MHFA action plan and asked directly about suicide. 

“To her surprise, the person opened up and shared that she was experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

“The Mental Health First Aider stayed with her, offered non-judgemental support, and helped her put a plan in place to access professional help,” Jenny says. 

Stories like this reinforce why Jenny continues to deliver the training.  

“Hearing this reminded me that MHFA isn’t just another training course. It equips people with the knowledge and skills to step in to assist with compassion and confidence.” 

A quiet impact 

Delivering MHFA over decades has shaped how Jenny listens and connects. It has changed the way she interacts with the world.  

“I approach people with far less judgement and more compassion. I’m more patient, more present and more intentional with my conversations.” 

And she feels the impact in the training room as well, watching participants connecting with the course material and each other.   

“I’ve come to understand that most people genuinely want to support others. They simply may not have the skills, knowledge or confidence to do so. 

“I notice the change in confidence when participants ask thoughtful questions, listen respectfully and learn together in a way that feels authentic.

“I also see it long after the training has finished. Some participants will email me and let me know how MHFA helped them support someone in their life, or how it shifted their own understanding and awareness of mental health problems.” 

What Jenny wants you to know  

If there is one thing Jenny wishes every Australian knew, it is this: “That every Australian knows that they can learn MHFA”.  

“Just as you don’t need to be a cardiologist to give CPR, you don’t need to be a mental health professional to offer mental health first aid.

“Many people tell me they hesitate to help because they don’t know what to say or do. MHFA training changes that.” 

After 21 years, Jenny continues to see impact in action: when people are given the right tools, compassion grows, stigma reduces, and communities become stronger.