Accredited Training · MHFA New Zealand

Mental Health First Aid

Practical, evidence-based training that gives workplaces, schools, and communities the skills to recognise, respond, and refer — when it matters most.

"I found the course very informative, and appreciated the development of training specific to the needs of our rangitahi."

MHFA Workshop Participant  ·  Youth Programme, New Zealand

The Essentials

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Most people want to help when someone is struggling. But in the moment, we hesitate — worried about saying the wrong thing, not knowing what to do next.

MHFA training closes that gap. It's not therapy. It's the practical skills to show up calmly, confidently, and with care — before it becomes a crisis.

01

Recognise

Notice the early signs of anxiety, depression, and distress — before they escalate.

02

Respond

Initiate a safe, supportive conversation using a structured, evidence-based approach.

03

Refer

Guide someone to the right support — from a trusted colleague to professional help.

Skills You'll Take Away

What you'll learn

👁️

Spot the signs early

Recognise when someone is anxious, low, or heading towards crisis before it becomes an emergency.

💬

Have the conversation

Know what to say — and what to avoid — without fear of getting it wrong.

🛡️

Respond in a crisis

Stay calm and act safely when someone is in acute distress or danger.

🧭

Know what comes next

Guide someone towards the right help — from peer support to professional services.

🤝

Build a safe culture

Help create an environment where people feel safe to speak up.

📋

Use a clear framework

Walk away with an evidence-based action plan you can apply immediately.

Audience

Who this is for

Anyone in a role where they support other people. No prior experience needed.

Workplace

Leaders, Managers & Teams

  • HR professionals and people managers
  • H&S advisors and wellbeing champions
  • Anyone responsible for team welfare
Education & Community

Teachers, Whānau & Community Leaders

  • Teachers and school staff
  • Parents, caregivers and whānau
  • Community workers and youth leaders

"The two-day course gives a deeper insight into different mental health issues. I gained a clearer understanding — and the confidence to act."

MHFA Workshop Participant  ·  Workplace Programme, New Zealand

How It Works

Delivery options

In-Person Workshop

2-day accredited programme at your workplace, school, or preferred venue. Highly interactive, with real-life scenarios and group practice. Can be tailored for specific sectors — youth-focused, kaupapa Māori-informed, or corporate.

Online Workshop

Same accredited content, delivered across two full days or four half-day sessions. Ideal for distributed teams or remote learners.

What You'll Receive

Certificate of completion, workbook, and MHFA action plan. Counts towards CPD and PLD hours for teacher appraisal, L&D records, and H&S reporting.

From Julia

This is work I care deeply about

I began sharing my own mental health story publicly in 2015. What followed changed everything — the conversations, the people who reached out, the realisation that what felt private was actually incredibly common.

This training exists to close the gap between caring and knowing how to help. People want to step in — they just need the tools. I'd love to bring this to your team.

— Julia Grace

Julia Grace — MHFA Facilitator

Julia Grace — Accredited MHFA Facilitator, Author & Keynote Speaker

What Participants Say

Heard from the room

"I found the course very informative, and appreciated the development of training specific to the needs of our rangitahi."

MHFA Participant · Youth Programme

"The two-day course gives a deeper insight into different mental health issues. I gained a clearer understanding of them."

MHFA Participant · Workplace Programme

"Julia spoke with such clarity and heart, offering tools that were accessible and immediately helpful."

School Principal · New South Wales

"I can't recommend Julia Grace highly enough to others looking to invest in the wellbeing of their teams."

Principal · NSW Australia

Resources

Download the info packs

📄

Adult MHFA Programme

Programme content, delivery format, and facilitator background.

Download PDF →
📄

Youth MHFA Programme

Adapted for school staff, youth workers, and those supporting rangatahi.

Download PDF →

Ready to Book

Bring MHFA training to your team

Available across New Zealand for workplaces, schools, and community organisations. In-person or online.