Mental Health First Aid
“I found the course very informative, and appreciated the development of training specific to the needs of our rangitahi.”
“The two-day course gives a deeper insight into different mental health issues.
I gained a clearer understanding of them.”
MHFA workshop participants
Practical skills for real conversations that matter
Mental health challenges are part of everyday life in Aotearoa. In any given year, around 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental health challenge
That means this isn’t “someone else’s issue” - it’s our colleagues, our friends, our whānau. Most people care, but when the moment comes, many of us don’t feel confident stepping in.
This training changes that.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid is about learning how to recognise when someone is struggling, respond safely, and support them to get the help they need. I’s not therapy, it’s not about fixing people.
It’s about being able to:
notice early signs
have a supportive conversation
and take the next right step
Because early support can make a real difference.
What you’ll learn
This is a practical, hands-on training that equips you to:
Recognise the signs of common mental health challenges
Respond to someone who may be anxious, low, overwhelmed, or distressed
Support someone in a crisis situation safely and appropriately
Have real, human conversations without fear of “getting it wrong”
Encourage and guide someone towards appropriate support
Learn a clear approach you can rely on in the moment, so you’re not left guessing.
A note from Julia
This is work I care deeply about.
I know what it’s like to walk through mental health challenges personally, and I’ve spent years helping others navigate those moments, in schools, workplaces, and communities across New Zealand and beyond.
My goal is simple - to give people the tools to step in, rather than step back, because small moments of support can change outcomes and even save lives. I’d love to join you in this empowering, engaging and evidence-based course.
WHO THIS IS FOR:
Designed for people who support people:
Leaders, managers, Business Owners
Teachers and school staff
Church teams, volunteers, peers and parents
Community and youth leaders
Anyone who wants to show up well for others
No prior experience needed.
DELIVERY:
2 Day workshops, in-person or Online (Workplace Training)
Can be delivered at your organisation or workplace
Accredited training
Certificates provided
WHAT WE COVER:
We work through real-life scenarios, including:
Anxiety and depression
Panic attacks
Substance use challenges
Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Crisis situations and how to respond safely
All grounded in practical application, not just theory.
What makes this different
You won’t sit through slides and forget everything the next day. This training is:
Practical and interactive
Grounded in real-life situations
Backed by science, but spoken in everyday language
Designed to give you tools you’ll actually use
And yes, we’ll keep it human, because this work is serious, but it doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time.
Professional Development (CPD / PLD)
This training can be counted towards CPD or PLD hours.
Participants receive a certificate of completion which can be used to support:
Teacher appraisal and professional growth cycles
Workplace learning and development records
Health & safety and wellbeing initiatives
More than attending a session, you’re building capability that aligns with professional responsibilities.
