How Geoffrey Ahern inspires change through Mental Health First Aid

When Geoffrey Ahern steps into a training room, he’s not just there to deliver content – he’s there to make a meaningful difference for his MHFAiders.  

Winner of the 2025 National Instructor Summit’s Participant’s Feedback Award – Australian Operations, Geoffrey is recognised for the incredible impact he has on his participants, helping them see the life-changing power of early mental health intervention.  

We sat down with Geoffrey to talk about what motivates him and why he’s proud to be a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. 

What motivates you to continue delivering MHFA courses? 

Knowing that this course makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I work in the Emergency Mental Health Team in the Emergency Department at Royal Melbourne Hospital, and am often trying to help a person put back together the pieces of their lives after years of not receiving help for their mental health. Knowing that this course equips people with the skills they need to be proactive and intervene early is so rewarding. 

Can you share a moment or breakthrough that you’ve experienced while delivering MHFA training? 

I ran the course for a construction company a while ago, and after day two this big, strapping, stereotypically Aussie tradie came up to me and broke down in tears as he spoke about seeing a young man end his life by suicide.  

He didn’t know the man but was deeply impacted by it. The problem was that his friends, family and colleagues could not understand why he was so impacted, using really stigmatising language.  

I let him talk for around 40 minutes, validated how he felt, and told him I was so sorry that had happened to him. Before we parted ways, he gave me a hug and said, “this course has changed my life”. 

What advice or insight would you offer to fellow instructors looking to grow their confidence or deepen their impact? 

Know your content like the back of your hand. Read, read, and read more. Listen to podcasts, listen to other people’s stories and incorporate storytelling into your presentation.  

Also, know that being a good presenter is not just about reading dot points on PowerPoint slides. It’s about passion and making sure your passion is contagious. And finally, I like to teach using the ELEPHANT principle: Encourage Learning, Encourage Participation, Have A Nice Time. 

Make every effort to make sure people don’t just walk away with knowledge and skills –make sure they really enjoyed their time with you. 

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.