This year, on Tuesday 19 August, we celebrated the first official Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Day – a new day of action and celebration.
For the first time, Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), Instructors and providers united on the same day to shine a light on one of Australia’s best kept secrets. It was a call to action to create space for conversations that matter – and our community answered in remarkable ways.
This year’s theme – Make Every Conversation Matter – sparked activity on a global scale across more than 15 countries. Over 600 social media posts celebrated MHFA Day, sparking conversations far beyond our immediate connections – over 2.2 million people heard about MHFA, with many hearing about it for the first time.
How MHFAiders marked the day
From large cities to remote towns, the MHFA community marked the day in ways as diverse as the people they support.
We asked our community of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) how they celebrated the day. Here are some of their answers:
- At Stepping Stone SA Childcare, Michele and her team provided morning tea and left inspirational notes for staff, motivated by her belief that “mental health support should be part of everyday life”.
- At Greenslopes Private Hospital, Maria and her team curated an exhibit showcasing their mental health initiatives.
- Jarod brought his workplace together for an all-staff BBQ lunch followed by a wellbeing workshop – a simple yet powerful way to connect over food and conversation while raising awareness.
- Lindsay made a heartfelt personal pledge: “I need to slow down and connect more with those around me.”
These acts carried the same message – with the right skills and knowledge, we can all make every conversation matter.
Igniting conversations that matter
The online space came alive on MHFA Day, with inspiring posts from organisations, workplaces, sporting clubs, and individuals that showcased the many ways people supported the day.
From the NSW Telco Authority, Safety Manager Brennan James reflected on the value of mental health first aid skills.
“Mental Health First Aid Day provides the skills and knowledge to identify a potential crisis situation early and respond to ensure harm is minimised. It also enables people across the organisation to connect with someone who can offer support and guidance,” said Brennan.
Across social media, MHFAiders, Instructors and providers shared their voices, showing the many ways these skills are transforming their workplaces and communities:
Strengthening regional and remote communities:
Wheatbelt & Beyond Youth Mentoring shared how MHFA has empowered mentors to support people in regional and remote communities, where social and geographical isolation can make mental health challenges harder to address. Their passion shone through as they encouraged everyone to #MakeEveryConversationMatter.
Celebrating shared mental health language in schools:
For Nick Praulins and his colleagues at ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein-Main, the day was a “perfect coincidence” – they were already delivering MHFA training to staff. He described the day as “a powerful step for a school community to create a shared language and understanding around mental health.”
Encouraging everyday conversations:
Queensland MP David Batt reminded his community that every conversation can be a turning point in someone’s mental health journey. “A mental health first aid conversation can be as simple as a coffee catch-up or lunchtime chat,” he wrote, encouraging all Australians to learn these life-saving skills.
Adding sweetness to serious conversations:
The Town of Victoria Park brought a little sweetness to serious conversations, serving up branded Make Every Conversation Matters cupcakes alongside meaningful chats. Their post captured the essence of the day – that even the smallest check-in can be a lifeline.
Using sport to break stigma:
In the sporting world, the Redlands Rays Baseball Club proudly shared Junior Coordinator Dean Ainsworth’s story of why he became a Youth Mental Health First Aider. They reminded their community that “baseball is more than a game – it’s a community” and called on coaches, volunteers, and parents to break stigma and look after their people.
Taking mental health conversations on-site:
Construction firm Bennett & Bennett took their message on-site and beyond, thanking trained MHFAiders for their willingness to listen without judgement and encouraging open conversations every day – not just on MHFA Day.
Conversations as part of the lifesaving toolkit:
On the coast, Surf Life Saving Australia highlighted that conversations save lives, reminding followers that recognising the signs and offering support can make all the difference.
Thank you, MHFAiders and Instructors
To every MHFAider and Instructor who marked the day – whether by posting online, hosting a workplace morning tea, having a one-on-one conversation, or simply wearing your MHFA apparel with pride – thank you.
Your actions, your words, and your commitment to Make Every Conversation Matter have shown that when we come together, we can reach millions and make a genuine difference in community-led support around the world.
Next year MHFA Day is going global, leveraging the support of our 8 million MHFAiders and 60,000 instructors across 40 countries.
Let’s carry this momentum forward and keep creating those circles of support – today, tomorrow, and every day.
If you or someone you know needs support, Mental Health First Aid encourages you to reach out to Lifeline | 13 11 14, 13Yarn | 13 19 76 or Suicide Callback Service | 1300 659 467. Find further supports.
