Mental Health First Aid
Practical, proven training to help you support those facing mental health challenges at work, home, or in your community.
One in five New Zealanders face mental health challenges each year at home, at work, and in the community. Would you know how to help?
Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa workshops help your business or community build resilience, create safer spaces, and boost wellbeing – proven to lift productivity and staff retention.
Built for Aotearoa, Backed by Science
Built on robust research and tailored for New Zealanders, this programme gives you the skills and confidence to support your whānau, colleagues, and community by connecting them to professional help when needed.
Accredited & Trusted
Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa New Zealand is an internationally recognised and accredited programme, adapted under license for New Zealand through Te Pou. Equip is proud to be accredited to deliver this course, typically offered over two impactful days.
Build Skills & Confidence
MHFAA builds your mental health knowledge, reduces stigma, and gives you the confidence to step in early and make a real difference.
Support Your Whānau
Friends and family often spot the first signs. Learn how to recognise them early and offer the right support.
Be Part of the Change
Help change the way we talk about mental health – one conversation at a time. Join the movement for healthier workplaces, schools, teams, and communities.
Who is this course for?
You care about people. You want to help – but sometimes, you’re not sure how.
MHFAA gives you the confidence and practical skills to spot early signs of mental health challenges and offer real support. Whether you’re leading a team, working with young people, supporting your whānau, or working with the public, this course empowers you to make a genuine difference.
No experience needed – just a willingness to care and learn.
You’ll benefit if you:
Manage or lead a team and want a healthier, more supportive workplace
Work directly with customers, clients, or the community
Support or mentor young people
Want to be someone others can turn to in tough times
Ready to make a difference?
Course Content
You will:
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Practice new skills in a safe, supportive environment
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Learn to spot common mental health challenges
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Offer practical, proven support
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Respond confidently in a crisis
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth MHFA workshops address the unique challenges rangatahi face today, including eating disorders, self-harm, and more.
As a Mental Health First Aider, you’ll be the bridge to support – helping people through tough moments until they can access further help. We cover:
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 run over two days at Equip, with flexible options available.
Flexible Training Your Way
We know every community, team, and organisation is different. That’s why we offer flexible, tailored workshops to fit your unique needs in Tāmaki Makaurau. Get in touch to discuss a schedule or location that works best for you.
Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa with Julia Grace
Dates: New Dates Coming Soon
Location: Mairangi Bay
Join the Waitlist
YOUTH Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa with Julia Grace
Dates: 31 Jul – 1 Aug
Location: Mairangi Bay
Join the Workshop
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.