Mental Health First Aid
1 in 5 NZ adults experience mental health challenges in any year. Would you know how to respond?
1 in 5 New Zealand adults experience mental health challenges in any year at home, the workplace and in the wider community.
Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa workshops help businesses and communities build resilience, create safe spaces, and boost overall health. This is proven to enhance productivity and staff retention.
Evidence-Based Workshop
Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based workshop which gives people the skills and confidence to have supportive conversations with their whānau, co-workers and community and help guide them to professional help if needed.
Accredited Programme
Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa New Zealand is an accredited programme adapted under license in New Zealand through Te Pou.
Equip is accredited to provide this course and usually run this over two days.
Who is this course for?
MHFAA gives you tools to spot signs of mental health struggles in others and support them. Whether in the workplace, with young people, or with your whānau, you’ll gain confidence to reach out and guide them towards the right help.
Everyone is welcome to join us, especially if you’re a manager, lead a team, deal with the public, or are keen to boost your mental health know-how.
Course Content
Participants will learn to recognise common mental health challenges, how to provide help to someone experiencing a mental health challenge using a practical, evidence-based action plan, and how to respond in a crisis situation. During the workshop you will have the opportunity to practice new skills in a safe environment.
As a Mental Health First Aider, you’ll gain the skills and support to help people facing mental health struggles or crisis moments. Think of it as being a bridge for them until they can access further help or until things get better.
Practical skills to identify triggers and signs of mental health issues
Confidence to assist and support someone in distress
Honed interpersonal skills, including non-judgmental listening
Knowledge of mental health insights and factors impacting well-being
Topics include
Depression
Anxiety
Psychosis
Substance Abuse
Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Non-Suicidal self-injury
Panic Attacks
Traumatic events
Severe effects from alcohol or other substance use
Aggressive behaviours
Meet Your MHFA Facilitator
You’ll learn from an accredited mental health instructor with extensive experience in real-life situations. With years of hands-on expertise, they bring valuable, practical insights to the training.
Julia Grace
Julia Grace is an award-winning international keynote speaker, author, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. As the current President of the Professional Speakers Association of NZ and recipient of the Educator of the Year award, Julia brings a unique blend of expertise and personal experience to mental health training. Living with clinical depression and anxiety herself, she combines humour, storytelling, and science-based strategies to teach audiences how to be kind to their minds.
Julia’s engaging approach makes complex mental health concepts accessible and memorable, equipping participants with practical tools for better mental wellness in the workplace, home and community.
Upcoming Workshops
Workshops are delivered over 2 days at Equip.
We understand that every community, team, and organisation is unique, with different needs. That’s why we’re flexible and can tailor our workshops to suit your workplace or organisation in Tāmaki Makaurau. Just reach out to us to discuss a schedule or workshop location that works best for you.
Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa with Julia Grace
Dates: TBC
Location: Windsor Park Baptist Church
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YOUTH Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa with Julia Grace
Dates: 31 Mar – 1 Apr
Location: Windsor Park Baptist Church
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Reserve your spot for an upcoming workshop!
Adapted by Te Pou specifically for New Zealanders, this practical training teaches participants how to effectively support a co-worker, friend or family member experiencing mental health concerns.