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St John has launched an online version of its Mental Health First Aid course. Until now, the course was only available in a classroom setting and as this type of study was not possible during Covid-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4, the St John First Aid Training team adapted the course for online delivery.
Initially launched in 2018, the purpose of the course is to reduce the stigma of talking about mental health and provide tools to help people recognise and respond to individuals experiencing mental health issues. Participants are taught how to understand the signs that someone may be struggling, how to talk to them, helpful things they can say and do, and how to support individuals in seeking help.
The course covers topics such as anxiety, depression, problem gambling, alcohol and drug abuse, as well as suicide and self-harm. St John national programme and development manager, Gabrielle Wildbore says participants can learn at their own pace, whenever and wherever they like.
The course is made up of modules and can be completed online in approximately five hours; it includes the same content as the classroom-based course. Info: stjohn.org.nz/mentalhealth
