Rare Voices Australia (RVA) is pleased to continue our work in 2023 with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia to offer RVA Partner organisation representatives the opportunity to participate in Youth MHFA training and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA training. This work is a continuation of the mental health and wellbeing project that RVA commenced in 2022 (read more here), based on recommendations in the National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Diseases (the Action Plan). This initiative is funded through the Rare Disease Awareness, Education, Support and Training (RAREST) Project.
What is involved and what commitment am I making?
You will be required to attend three online Zoom sessions in addition to completing the online learning component of the course. The dates and times for the three online sessions are:
- Wednesday, 3 May 2023 from 9am-12pm (AEST)
- Wednesday, 10 May 2023 from 9am-12pm (AEST)
- Wednesday, 17 May 2023 from 9am-12pm (AEST)
It is expected that those volunteering to complete the Youth MHFA training are willing and have the capacity to provide MHFA support to youth in their rare disease community on an ongoing basis. The training is provided using Australian contexts and resources, and the course supports adults (those aged 18+).
Note: this opportunity is available to RVA Partner organisation representatives only.
About the Youth MHFA training
This training educates participants about how to assist adolescents who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem or are in a mental health crisis. Youth MHFA is for adults who work, live or care for adolescents such as teachers, school support staff, parents, sports coaches, community group leaders and youth workers. Read the course flyer.
Youth MHFA provides an overview of mental illnesses, risk factors, prevalence, and impact before taking a much closer look at a selection of mental health problems. Watch the video to learn what to expect from the course.
Maximising your participation in this course
To maximise your participation in the Youth MHFA training, RVA asks that:
- You have access to and can use a computer with an internet connection to participate in the course via videoconference
- You are currently a rare disease group leader or are in a position of leadership within an RVA Partner organisation
- You do not have current MHFA accreditation
What is the cost?
RVA will cover the costs of the Youth MHFA course, which will be delivered in an online format. This includes a hard copy of the MHFA manual that will be mailed to you.
How does our organisation lodge our interest in participating?
If your proposed participant would like to participate in the Youth MHFA training, please complete this form.
Please note: if the applicant is confirmed as a participant, the contact information provided in the form above will be provided to the Youth MHFA course facilitator (Cate Clark) for the program so they can liaise directly with attendees.
Meet Your Facilitator Cate Clark
The course will be facilitated by MHFA instructor Cate Clark. Cate is a highly skilled Credential Mental Health Nurse with extensive experience across all aspects of mental health in both the public and private sectors. Over her 40 years as a practitioner, she has developed an approach focussed on trauma-informed care and recovery-based interventions. Cate is a creative person with a passion for mental health and a genuine interest in people. She has a particular interest in working with families and carers and in capacity building in communities. Read more about Cate and her role as an MHFA instructor.
