Help us to create culturally safer circles of support
At Mental Health First Aid, we are committed to creating culturally safe and supportive communities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experiencing mental health problems. Through our work, we empower individuals, workplaces, schools and communities to respond effectively to mental health problems or crises.
Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Program has been a cornerstone of this effort for nearly two decades, helping Australians from all walks of life gain the skills needed to provide culturally responsive support to First Nations peoples.
By donating today, you can help us extend this important work and create culturally safer circles of support for all Australians.
Why your support matters
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience significantly higher rates of psychological distress and suicide than non-Indigenous Australians, with these rates continuing to rise.
For 18 years, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Program has been working to close this gap by providing culturally safe and informed training to equip people with the skills and confidence to respond to First Nations peoples experiencing mental health problems or crises.
But to increase our impact, we need to expand this program – and without government funding, we can’t do it alone.
Your support will help us reach more communities, train more instructors, and build stronger, more culturally responsive circles of support across Australia.
How your donations are used
Through your generous donation, you can help us to:
Increase access to training
Train more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA instructors, enabling more communities to receive fee-free, culturally safe training in 2026.
Strengthen community engagement
A dedicated First Nations Engagement & Advocacy role will help us to deeper connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Enhance research support
A First Nations Researcher position will drive the development and enhancement of culturally relevant, evidence-based programs.
Tailor support for remote communities
A specialised MHFA course piloted in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to provide culturally relevant mental health support where it’s needed most.
Every contribution counts, and can make a significant impact on helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to receive timely, culturally informed support when they need it most.
Looking for other ways to support us?
There are plenty of other ways you can get involved and support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Program. We would love to hear from you if you:
- Would like to donate via direct bank transfer or cheque
- Are interested in corporate partnerships or sponsorships
- Are a trust or foundation wanting to support our program
- Are interested in leaving a gift in your will
- Are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFAider or Instructor and would like to share your story.
Please get in touch with us directly at supportus@mhfa.com.au.
Why is Mental Health First Aid raising funds?
Since 2007, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid® Program has empowered communities with culturally safe training to support First Nations peoples experiencing mental health problems or crises.
Developed by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this program recognises the importance of social and emotional wellbeing, community connection, and culturally informed care.
But the need is growing – and we want to do more. Your donation will help us expand the reach of this vital program, train more instructors in community, and build the capacity of more Australians to provide support through a culturally safe lens.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, donations to Mental Health First Aid International (MHFAI) are tax-deductible. You’ll receive a receipt for your donation, which you can use for tax purposes.
What if I want to dedicate my donation to a specific cause or program?
We are currently raising funds to expand our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Program.
However, if there is another program or area of impact that you would like to support, please reach out to us for more information.
We are living and dealing with our mob with mental health problems and trauma every day. We need to equip our people with the skills to identify the early warning signs, understand what’s happening, understand what support is available, and know how to access it.
– Aunty Florence Onus, a proud Birrigubba, Bidjara and Jagalingu woman and survivor of the Stolen Generation
Without a doubt, embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA as part ofour core module training has
saved lives in community.
– Rachel Montgomery, Australian Red Cross
Donate now
Your donation helps us reach more communities, train more instructors, and equip more individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples facing mental health problems.
