MADALAH staff completed an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid Course which was facilitated by Rosalie Kickett. The course was conducted over a two-day period and we learnt the skills required for providing initial help to a person who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health issue. Throughout the two-day course, we completed 6 sessions that focused on what mental health is, anxiety, drug & alcohol problems, depression, non-suicidal self-injury and psychosis. We learnt the signs, symptoms and process that is required when a person is experiencing mental health illness.
The main focus during the course was to learn and further develop our knowledge of cultural competency and cultural safety when providing mental health first aid. MADALAH staff want to ensure that we are able to provide mental health first aid to our 416 scholars if they are ever experiencing mental, emotional, spiritual and/or physical struggles. In addition to our training, we have expanded our Student & Families Support Team and welcomed psychologist, Janelle Campbell-Cook to ensure the safety and well-being of our scholars.
We would like to thank the lovely Rosalie Kickett for facilitating and conducting an informative and engaging course for us; MADALAH staff feel informed and equipped to provide mental health first aid to our mob. It was also great to be able to offer and share this opportunity with two of our partner school coordinators from Perth College and St Brigid’s College.
If you would like to attend this course yourself, visit the below link: https://wa.lifeline.org.au/training/courses/for-individuals/mental-health-first-aid/