Coordinated by the Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group, the courses teach “everyday people” how to recognise signs of mental distress or when someone might be struggling.
They are then provided with tools to start supportive and respectful conversations, and help connect people to appropriate support early.
“These trainings form part of the shared goal of Deni MHAG and Channel 4 Change to train one in five locals in MHFA by the end of 2027,” MHAG president Lourene Liebenberg said.
“Responding to community feedback, some courses will be offered on weekends to remove weekday work barriers.
“One Youth MHFA and one Standard MHFA course will run over weekends, with an additional Youth MHFA course delivered during the school holidays.
“Courses run over two days - 14 hours total for Youth MHFA and 12 hours for Standard MHFA.”
Training is free, with participants asked to cover their own lunches.
Minimum numbers are required to make the courses viable, so early registration is essential.
“Through this initiative, Deni MHAG is helping Deniliquin and surrounding communities become places where more people know how to notice, ask, and help each other.
“The youth MHFA courses are funded by Channel4Change and the Standard MHFA by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.”
To read more about course content, visit www.mhfa.com.au.
To register or find out more, email denimhag@gmail.com or text Lourene on 0428 281 060.
• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Resources and pathways to help are also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.
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