What is the YMHFA course?

The YMHFA course teaches participants how to provide initial support to a young person (aged 12–18) who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.

Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adolescents, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the treatments and supports available.

Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, course participants learn how to approach a young person they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to help a young person to seek professional help or other supports.

Adults who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most.

What topics are covered?

This course covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. Participants learn how to apply mental health first aid to young people across a range of situations, including:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Eating disorders

• Substance use problems

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviours

• Panic attacks

• Non suicidal self-injury

What are the learning outcomes?

Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in young people

• Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation

• Assess for a range of crisis situations and provide initial support

• Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses, risk factors and treatments and supports available

• Distinguish between normal and expected changes during adolescence and development of mental health problems

• Understand the scope of the Mental Health First Aider role and the medical rights of minors

• Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider.

Who will be facilitating the course?

Lena Redman is a highly experienced educator who has worked in various educational settings over the past 20 years. She is a registered Teacher, School Guidance Counsellor, and Licensed Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor.

She has extensive experience supporting young people and also has a highly practical approach to supporting educators and parents to further enhance their capacity to effectively support the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

Lena is an exceptional presenter and facilitator, who combines her firsthand experience and insights with evidence based practices, guided by research in the areas of mental health, wellbeing and education to ensure she provides the best learning experiences.

Please note that you attendance at the full Zoom workshop day is required to be eligible for accreditation.

• Format: Blended Online (eLearning + Live Zoom Workshop)

• Zoom Session: Sunday, 12th October 2025. 9.00am - 5.00pm (AEST - Brisbane time)

• eLearning Access: Sent to you upon enrolment and must be completed before the Zoom session. (5-7 hours to complete at your own pace)

• Accreditation: Attendance at the full Zoom workshop day is required along with completion of eLearning.

• A digital or printed version of the YMHFA manual is included in cost.

• Pay with credit card or email [email protected] to request an invoice.

• A group discount applies for bookings of 3+. Please email [email protected] for more details.

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