Program Overview
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how
to provide initial support to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adult who may be
experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional support is
received or the crisis resolves.
All People Tank programs are designed to be practical, interactive and immediately applicable to the workplace, with opportunities for reflection, discussion and real-world application.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems impacting Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander adults
Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses and risk factors, with specific
information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Gain an understanding of cultural considerations, from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
perspective
Gain an understanding of the treatments and supports available
Gain an understanding of the local and cultural supports and resources available to someone
experiencing mental health problems
Know the barriers to support-seeking and how to overcome these
Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, in a culturally safe and informed way
Assess for a range of crisis situations and provide initial support
Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider.
Delivery Options
Face to Face- 2 X 7 Hour Sessions over 2 days
Blended- E-Learning followed by 5 Hour virtual session
Audience
This course is suitable for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous individuals,
workplaces of all sizes, and volunteer and community groups.
Program Outline
The course has been developed to support information about mental health first aid and self-care
in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and 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
Alcohol and other drugs
Substance use problems
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours
Non-Suicidal Self-injury
Psychosis
Crisis first aid
The course also looks at mental health problems in community, social and emotional well-being,
self-care and cultural considerations and safety.
It considers local perspectives and experiences and utilises lived experience stories and Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander photography, film, and art works. This representation matters and leads
to better outcomes for those participating in training and the people they go on to support.
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