Identifying mental health concerns
Mental health concerns can affect anyone – including those in small business.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training course on how to assist people who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
The 12-hour Standard MHFA course explores the signs and symptoms of common and disabling mental health problems in adults, how to provide initial help, where and how to get professional help, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.
This course is based on practical, evidence-based guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.
Visit Mental Health First Aid to learn more about research and evidence base which forms the foundation of this training.
Why is Mental Health First Aid important for small business?
Given that approximately 20% of Australian adults experience a common mental illness each year,1 employers are realising the significant impact mental health can have on their workplaces, staff and productivity. Reports show that mental health conditions are costing Australian businesses about $11 billion dollars each year through absenteeism, reduced work performance, increased turnover rates and compensation claims.2
In response, many small businesses are looking to create mentally healthy workplaces through proactive and preventative mental wellbeing strategies. Completing the MHFA training can be a great option for small business owners. The content covered can assist participants to better understand how to create a supportive workplace environment, and also develop the skills needed to effectively support their staff, friends, and family.
Mental Health First Aid training in Australia
MHFA is a universal program developed in Australia and available in over 25 countries. MHFA courses are conducted all over Australia, and are delivered by accredited instructors. Find a course near you by visiting the Mental Health First Aid website.
References
1. PWC and Beyond Blue. Creating a mentally healthy workplace: Return on investment analysis, Final Report. 2014 Australian Government: National Health Commission.
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Survey of Mental Health And Wellbeing: Summary Of Results (cat. No. 4326.0). [Internet] Canberra: ABS; 2007 [cited 2020 May 19].
