Monday 9 June: Mental Health First Aid® International will showcase 25 years of global innovation and reach at the International Association for Suicide Prevention’s (IASP) 33rd World Congress this week.
The world’s leading suicide prevention experts with gather in Vienna to highlight research, lived experience policy and program initiatives – to help reduce this critical public health issue facing the world.
Mental Health First Aid International CEO Angus Clelland said: “We’re honoured to be the key sponsor of the IASP 33rd World Congress and stand alongside so many others committed to early intervention, prevention and changing and saving lives around the world.”
For a quarter of a century, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA®) has empowered people worldwide to respond to mental health distress with confidence and skill, to help save lives.
Celebrating 25 years
At this year’s Congress, Mental Health First Aid International will continue to emphasise its commitment to leading health promotion approaches, equipping individuals, health professionals, workplaces, schools and communities, with the tools to help prevent mental health problems and suicide.
With more than 8 million people trained in 35 countries, MHFA remains dedicated to expanding its global reach and ensuring programs meet the needs of low- and middle-income countries, where mental health resources are often limited.
Dr Jakqui Barnfield, Executive Director of International Programs, Quality and Research, who will be speaking at the Opening Ceremony, said MHFA began 25 years ago with the simple idea that everyone can play a role in early intervention and prevention to support the mental health of those around them. “What we’ve seen since then is extraordinary – a global network creating circles of safety and support in their communities.”
Addressing global challenges through collaboration
A strong focus on how we can support low to middle-income countries will shape Mental Health First Aid International’s presence at the Congress.
“The challenges we’re facing globally – geopolitical factors – conflict, climate change, economic instability demands a unified response,” Dr Barnfield said. “That means listening to local voices, respecting cultural knowledge, and working together across borders to make Mental Health First Aid accessible to everyone, everywhere.”
Professor Jo Robinson, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention said:
“Mental Health First Aid International’s long-standing commitment to equipping communities with the tools to respond to mental distress has created meaningful change across the globe.
“As our Mental Health Partner at the 33rd IASPWorld Congress, their focus on empowering low- and middle-income countries through culturally responsive, community-driven approaches aligns strongly with the goals of this congress. Their contribution to the global suicide prevention effort is both timely and impactful.”
Where to find us at the Congress
Mental Health First Aid International is proud to contribute to the global conversation through several key events.
- Pre-Congress Workshop: Creating Global Circles of Safety – A Collective Approach to Mental Health First Aid
Facilitators: Dr Jakqui Barnfield and Dr Anat Wilson
Date: Tuesday 10 June (SOLD OUT)
This interactive workshop will focus on adapting Mental Health First Aid to be culturally responsive and community-driven, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Participants will co-develop strategies to enhance prevention and early intervention by adapting global evidence to local contexts
- Teachers and Young People – Workplace and Panel
Facilitators: Marc Bryant, Dr Jakqui Barnfield, Dr Anat Wilson, Ebony Whitehouse
Date: Thursday 12 June, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Room: Stolz 1
A 90-minute interactive workshop focused on a global imperative for skills based early intervention training to support the mental health of education professionals and young people. - Evening Fireside Chat: Building Global Capacity for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in LMICs
Facilitator: Dr Jakqui Barnfield
Panellists: Tramaine EL-Amin and Dr Sanderson Onie
Date: Thursday 12 June 7:00PM (SOLD OUT)
This event will explore strategies for adapting evidence-based mental health programs to local cultures and contexts, focusing on creating sustainable, peer-led solutions in under-resourced settings
- Visit us at Booth #2
Our team will be available to discuss how Mental Health First Aid’s evidence-based training supports early intervention and prevention in 35 countries worldwide
- Education and Training IASP Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting:
Co-chair Marc will facilitate a meeting of SIG members on the Thursday morning to support the development of high-quality education and training in suicide prevention around the world.
We invite partners, organisations, leaders, and advocates from across the globe to connect with Mental Health First Aid International at the conference to explore how we can work together to create circles of safety and support across the globe, particularly in under-resourced countries where distress and suicide remain high.
For more information or to arrange a meeting with our team during the Congress, please contact: media@mhfa.com.au.
