Veterans & Defence
Mental Health First Aid International offers essential, evidence-based training programs that increase mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention within the veteran and defence community in Australia. This training is designed to create a broader network of support for the over half a million Australians who have served or are currently serving.
Global Defence Initiatives
Mental Health First Aid training has been implemented across various defence forces globally, including Australia, UK and USA
MENTAL HEALTH Training
Thousands of defence personnel have been trained as Mental Health First Aiders in Australia
TRAINING PARTNERSHIPS
Mental Health First Aid International has collaborated with Open Arms and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to deliver training in veteran communities nationwide
Armed with the skills
Warrant Officer Class Two, Neville Pace, underscores the importance of Mental Health First Aid training within military ranks and the impact it can have on saving lives. Neville advocates for widespread training among all Sergeants and Officers to create a supportive network for soldiers.
Why Choose Mental Health First Aid?
Veteran and defence communities committed to mental health can create a circle of safety for veterans, defence personnel, their families and support systems, fostering a safer, mentally healthier future for those who have served or are currently serving.
Mental Health First Aid is a practical skills-based education program that equips people with the skills and confidence needed to recognise and respond to someone they know who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
Grounded in research and guided by the voice of lived experience, our training program provides high-quality, safe and proven mental health first aid literacy and skills training to strengthen the support available to the veteran community.
Protecting the mental health of our veteran and defence communities
Veterans and defence personnel, along with their families, friends, caregivers and ex-service organisations, play a crucial role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the community.
Often, those who care for or work with veterans or defence personnel are the first to notice signs of mental health problems, psychological distress, or suicidal thoughts or behaviours.
Understanding how to talk about mental health and having the confidence and knowledge to help a member of the veteran community in need are important skills that any person can learn.
This is where Mental Health First Aid training can help.
Unique Health Risks
Veterans often face unique challenges that significantly increase their risk of psychological distress and suicide
Mental Health in Ex-ADF Members
Almost 3 in 4 transitioned ADF members have had a mental health disorder at some stage in their life
PEER SUPPORT MATTERS
People are more likely to seek help if someone close to them suggests it
The first line of support
Mental Health First Aid’s skills-based training can empower the whole veteran community, including:
- Families, friends, carers, employers, and colleagues of ex-serving and current Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel
- Health care professionals and community members supporting veterans and their families
- Ex-serving and current ADF personnel.
MENTAL HEALTH PROTECT™
Free training to support veteran mental health
A range of fully funded flexible training programs to support the veteran community to assist others in mental health and suicide prevention.
The Mental Health Literacy and Suicide Prevention Training Program has been funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Training options for the veteran community
The Standard Mental Health First Aid course for the veteran community empowers participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to signs of mental health problems. Courses are facilitated by Licensed Instructors within the veteran community and can be delivered in one of three ways.
Standard MHFA
For the veteran community
- Format: Face-to-Face
- Duration: 12 hours
Learn how to provide initial support to a peer or other adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
The Face-to-Face delivery is composed of 2 x 6-hour sessions over 2 days.
Standard MHFA
For the veteran community
- Format: Blended Face-to-Face
- Duration: 12 hours
Learn how to provide initial support to a peer or other adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
The Blended Face-to-Face delivery is composed of self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by a 4-hour face-to-face session.
Standard MHFA
For the veteran community
- Format: Blended Online
- Duration: 12 hours
Learn how to provide initial support to a peer or other adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
The Blended Online delivery is composed of self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by 2 x 2.5-hour video conferencing sessions.
