There’s an urgent need to support the mental health and wellbeing of everyone in our industry through psychological services, as well as evidence-based prevention, education and training programs.

By participating in this training and becoming a Nationally Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider), you will contribute to improving the psychological safety and wellbeing of our industry and networks.

The findings of the first ever Mental Health and Wellbeing in Music and Live Performing Arts survey were unveiled in 2022 discussing mental health and wellbeing for the music industry.
1,304 people working professionally in music and live performing arts took part in the survey, which was held in conjunction with the Centre for Social Impact Swinburne in March and April 2022.

• Some of the findings:
  66% of participants had high/very high levels of psychological distress, more than 4 x the general population
• 59% had experienced suicidal thoughts, which is over 4.5 x the proportion of the general Australian population
• 35% reported a current mental health condition, which is 1.7 x the proportion estimated in the general Australian population
• 29% reported having a current anxiety condition and 27% reported currently having depression, both more than two times that of the general population
• Over half said they had used drugs or alcohol to help with the stresses of life over the past two years

The Nationally Accredited Mental Health First Aid course equips adults with the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to another adult (friend, family members, co-worker) experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis. This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program.

You will learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adults, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem and the treatments and supports available. Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, you will learn how to offer initial support and information and how to encourage the person to seek professional help or other supports.

Learning Outcomes

• Recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems
• Provide initial help using a practical, evidence-based Action Plan
• Acknowledge the barriers to help-seeking and how to overcome these
• Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses, risk factors and the treatments and supports available
• Know ways to respond in a crisis situation and where and how to seek appropriate professional support
• Take care of yourself when supporting others

This course covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. Participants learn how to apply mental health first aid to adults across a range of situations, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Psychosis
• Substance use problems
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• Panic attacks
• Non-suicidal self-injury
• Traumatic events

To become an Nationally Accredited MHFAider you must participate and successfully complete each part of the course, including the online quiz.

Accreditation is valid for three years, you can complete a refresher course to extend your accreditation for a further three years before the accreditation period is finished.

Learn more about the role of an MHFAider.

The MHFA training is a considerable time investment, 11-12 hours total for the standard course and around five hours for the refresher training.

Before confirming your spot, please familiarise yourself with the course requirements below:

• Complete Online Learning (approx six-seven hours)
  First Aiders must complete the self-paced online learning before attending their workshop/s This consists of five modules that guide you through the learning outcomes
• Attend Workshops (five hours split into two, two and a half hours)
  Guided by a skilled and supportive trainer, you’ll revise and consolidate knowledge in a group environment while applying your skills to specific scenarios
• Accreditation, Assessment & Feedback (15 Multi-choice questions)
  After the workshop, you’ll be asked to complete a short questionnaire which must be completed to become accredited

There is a limited number of spots available for each course.

Enrolling does not guarantee your spot for the course option you select, we make every effort to accommodate your preferences.

Once completing enrolment form you’ll be emailed to confirm your place. Please ensure you have access and check the email you use when enrolling.

For courses with online components you will need:

• Your own device, either a laptop or tablet with a webcam and microphone
• Connection to a reliable internet connection.

Any required self-paced learning components need to be completed before joining the instructor led session.

Recording sessions are not allowed (by anyone, including the instructors).

It is a requirement you have completed Step one prior to participating in the online workshop via zoom. Your active participation is required for successful completion of the workshop. This includes group and breakout group conversations with video cameras and microphones turned on for the duration.

We’ll be a small group by design to function well as a learning team.

We’re committed to making the instructor-led sessions relevant to your interests and needs. In addition, we’re hoping that you will help us to keep it relevant and enjoyable for everyone.

We welcome your comments and questions throughout, they help us to make the course more useful.

Please do the things you know work for you to take good care of yourself before, during and after the course.

The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is a free phone counselling service for anyone working in Australian music or the arts, easily accessed by calling 1800 959 500.

For information about the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline and more visit Support Act Further Resources.

Which email to use
Enrol with an email address you’re likely to have access to in three years when the information about renewing your accreditation will be sent to you via the email address you provide. Your email is needed to provide the pre-course information and learning materials for the online self-paced programs.

Which postal address to use
Enrol with a postal address where you’re more likely to easily receive the paperback course manual we’ll post to you ahead of the course start date. The manual is essential to participate in the course.

First Aiders must complete the self-paced online learning before attending their workshop/s. This consists of five modules that guide you through the learning outcomes.

Instructions to accessing the learning portal will be emailed to you at least two weeks the workshop.