Mental Health First Aid International is in Perth for the National Suicide Prevention Conference (NSPC) this week, with a focus on building circles of safety and support around those who may be experiencing or vulnerable to mental health problems or crises.
Marking 25 years since the program first launched in Australia, Mental Health First Aid will spotlight how the world-renowned early intervention training program continues to evolve, reaching new communities and professions in times of need.
“As we celebrate 25 years of Mental Health First Aid, we’re also looking ahead to the next chapter of MHFA,” said Dr Jakqui Barnfield, Executive Director, International Programs, Quality and Research.
“Our new strategic plan sets an ambitious goal to reach 3 million Australians with MHFA training by 2030. This target reflects the urgency of the need – and the strength of the evidence behind what we do.”
“At this year’s NSPC, we’re focused on how evidence-based early intervention programs like MHFA translates into meaningful action – whether that’s a veteran supporting a loved one experiencing mental health problems or distress, or a student health professional learning how to care for themselves and their peers before even stepping into a hospital.”
The team will showcase three major initiatives during the conference:
- Celebrating 25 years of Mental Health First Aid: From its origins as a grassroots innovation in Canberra 25 years ago, to a global movement that has trained more than 8 million people across 35 countries.
- Mental Health Protect, a Department of Veterans’ Affairs-funded program that delivers free MHFA and LivingWorks Australia training to veterans and their networks
- MHFA for Health Professional Students, which equips future medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals with the skills, knowledge and confidence to manage stress, recognise mental health problems or crises in others, and enter the workforce ready to make a difference.
Mental Health First Aid is also working to raise funds for its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Program, with renewed efforts underway to grow the culturally-informed, community-led program, co-designed with and delivered by First Nations peoples.
Where to find us at SNPC
Throughout the week, Mental Health First Aid will be part of several key sessions to take part in national conversations about collaboration, the impact of the program building capacity of pre-service health professionals, and the global MHFA movement.
- Health Professional Students: Developing capacity to self-care, peer support and prepare for workforce:Tuesday 20 May, 1:30pm – 3:00pm | Meeting Room 8 | Presented by Dr Anat Wilson and Dr Jakqui Barnfield
Learn about the development, national rollout and impact of a world-first, evidence-based MHFA course for health professional students, designed to build self-care, peer support and early intervention skills and backed by $7 million in Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing funding, launched by the Hon Emma McBride in 2024. - Breakfast session: 25 years of Mental Health First Aid:Wednesday 21 May, 7:30am – 8:30am | River View Room 5, Level 2
Dr Jakqui Barnfield in conversation with MHFA founders Betty Kitchener AM and Emeritus Professor Tony Jorm. - CEO Panel Discussion: An exploration of the power of collaboration: Wednesday 21 May, 9:45am – 10:30am | Riverside Theatre
Dr Jakqui Barnfield joins a panel of CEOs to discuss how collaboration can advance suicide prevention efforts.
We invite attendees, sector leaders and advocates to pop by booth #5 to meet the team and learn how Mental Health First Aid can support your organisation with early intervention and prevention training program backed by 25 years of evidence.
For meeting enquiries, please contact communications@mhfa.com.au.
