The last week of June is Wellbeing Week. In partnership with Vida Health, YO Bendigo is hosting Teen Mental Health First Aid® for young people. 

As many as 2 in 5 young people in Australia have experienced challenges with their mental health Young people often turn to each when stressed or upset and try to support each other. 

Teen Mental Health First Aid®  is a training that can only be delivered by trainers accredited by Mental Health First Aid Australia. This training is delivered by a health professional and expert. It will help you recognise mental health red flags in your friends, when to get an adult involved, and how you can help, while not taking too much on and taking care of yourself at the same time! You'll gain valuable practical skills, knowledge and confidence to recognise and respond to a friend experiencing a mental health issue or crisis, until a trusted and responsible adult can provide support. 

Participants will receive a Teen Mental Health First-Aid Certificate at completion of the training. 

Before signing up: 

• Please read through the course guide and decide whether this training is right for you.
• If you are under 18 years old, you will need a parent or caregivers consent to participate. You MUST email the consent form to [email protected] or [email protected] before the first class or you will not be able to participate.
• This training is delivered over 2 sessions- you must be able to attend BOTH sessions to complete the training
• Please be aware that this training will touch on sensitive and heavy topics, and may be distressing for anyone affected by serious mental health issues (if you are seeking help, please see the bottom of this page for local support services)  

Things you'll learn: 

• Common mental health issues for young people
• Recognising signs of mental health concerns
• Responding to friends experiencing mental health issues
• How, when and where to get professional help
• How to take care of your own mental health and wellbeing 

What you need to know: 

• This training will be delivered in 2 sessions, with a break in between and breaks during each session.
• This training will be facilitated by a mental health professional who is certified to deliver this training, and will held at YO Bendigo- a safe place for all young people.
• You won't be talking about any problems you're having yourself, and you won't learn to give therapy or diagnose a problem.
• Please be aware that this training will touch on sensitive and heavy topics, and may be distressing for anyone affected by serious mental health issues.
• Parental consent is required for participants under 18 years old. 

If you wish to learn more…

About mental health problems experienced by young people:

• www.beyondblue.org.au
• www.headspace.org.au
• www.howfaristoofar.org.au
• www.au.reachout.com
• www.kidshelpline.com.au
• https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 

About Teen Mental Health First Aid®: 

• https://www.mhfa.com.au/our-courses/teen-peer-to-peer-support/teen-mental-health-first-aid/
• ww.mfha.com.au

For immediate help for teenagers:

• headspace Bendigo - https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/bendigo/ or
• eheadspace - https://headspace.org.au/my-account/waiting-room/ or 1800 650 890
• Kids Helpline - https://kidshelpline.com.au/ or 1800 55 1800
• Lifeline - https://www.lifeline.org.au/  or 13 11 14