The Blended Online MHFA for Financial Services Professionals course teaches professionals how to assist a co-worker or person in financial distress, who is developing a mental health problem or in a crisis.

In this informative and practical course you will learn about the signs and symptoms of common and disabling mental health problems in adults, how to provide initial help, where and how to get professional help, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide mental health first aid in a crisis situation using a practical, evidence-based action plan.

Course participants first complete the interactive self-paced eLearning component that presents an overview of mental health problems and mental health crises. This is followed by 2 x 3 hour live Zoom sessions which allows participants the opportunity to revise and consolidate skills in a group environment, and to address mental health problems in the workplace in more depth.

Course Component 1 –Self-paced interactive eLearning (Approx. 5 - 8 hours)

The eLearning course component presents an overview of mental health problems and mental health crises.

Developing mental health problems covered include:

• Depression
• Anxiety problems
• Psychosis
• Substance use problems

Mental health crises covered:

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• Non-suicidal self-injury
• Panic attacks
• Traumatic events
• Severe psychotic states
• Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use
• Aggressive behaviour

Course Component 2 – Instructor-led component 

In the 2 X 3 hour live Zoom sessions, the focus is on revision and application of knowledge and skills learnt in the eLearning component, providing participants with the opportunity to:

• Examine issues pertinent to mental health problems in the workplace in more depth
• Clarify any points of uncertainty remaining after completion of the eLearning modules
• Apply the MHFA Action Plan to relevant workplace scenarios
• Discuss and reflect 'a where to from now' in using mental health first aid skills in the workplace.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is a MHFA requirement that a particiant MUST complete all of the eLearning component before they can attend component 2. Component 2 must also be completed within 3 months of completing component 1 (eLearning).

This course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.

Please note: This is not a therapy or support group