Earlier this month, MHFFTas proudly delivered Mental Health First Aid training to 12 family members and friends who support someone living with mental health challenges. Thanks to funding from the Healthy Tasmania Fund’s Step Forward program, we were able to offer this important training to help build skills, confidence, and connection in our community.

Caring for someone with mental health needs can be rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. This training was designed to equip families and friends with practical tools—like how to create an action plan when someone is in distress—and to support their own mental health along the way.

Participants told us that the training helped them feel more confident in starting conversations about mental health and gave them a deeper understanding of the issues their loved ones face. Just as importantly, it helped reduce the sense of isolation many families and friends experience, showing them they’re not alone.

This kind of training doesn’t just benefit individuals—it helps to grow the capacity of the community. By increasing mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and encouraging open dialogue, we’re fostering a more compassionate and informed community. And when communities are better equipped to respond to mental health challenges, we all benefit.

Participant Testimonials: 

Thank you for delivering such an engaging and practical Mental Health First Aid course. Your clear explanations, real-life examples, and supportive teaching style made the content both accessible and meaningful.

At the conclusion of each day I felt empowered and supported leaving with a positive outlook. These topics can leave a person feeling weighed down, overwhelmed or anxious but not in this case. A great group generously sharing lived experience.

Thoroughly enjoyed the learning content.  Learnt so much from this course.  Information I can utilise in my nursing practice and at home

It was a very helpful and informative course. I feel more confident now in understanding and supporting others with mental health concerns.

This project is funded by the Healthy Tasmania Fund, an initiative of the Tasmanian Government.

Training by All About Tranquil