Published on Tuesday, 7 September 2021 at 12:27:21 PM
Geraldton Regional Medical Service (GRAMS) is delivering free Mental Health First Aid Training sessions in Geraldton, Carnarvon, Mount Magnet, Meekatharra, Morawa and Mullewa.
GRAMS has secured funding from both the State and Federal Government towards the implementation of a Suicide Prevention Program. In collaboration with Kickket Consulting, GRAMS launched a Mental Health First Aid Training program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as well as people working in Aboriginal communities.
The first two workshops were delivered in Geraldton on 30th and 31st of August, and in Carnarvon on 2nd and 3rd of September. The 2-day workshops will equip community members with the skills and tools to provide mental health support to those who need it.
On completion of the Mental Health First Aid Training, the participants will be qualified as first responders for Aboriginal Mental Health and receive a nationally accredited certificate that is valid for three years from Mental Health First Aid Australia.
GRAMS Chief Executive Officer, Deborah Woods said one of GRAMS’ objectives as part of their suicide prevention strategy is to create community-driven empowerment solutions.
“By turning community members into mental health advocates, we can work together to remove barriers and build capacity around mental health resources,” said Ms Woods.
“It’s about encouraging conversations around mental health and suicide to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.”
Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Elaine Laraia said they’re proud to promote this initiative and empower community members to step forward to become first responders in their communities.
“It is important now more than ever to provide communities with accessible and appropriate mental health care services,” said Ms Laraia
“The training program will help turn community members into first responders, empowering them to advocate for themselves and strengthen community wellbeing.
“We had a surprise visit from Premier Mark McGowan on Thursday at Gwoonwardu Mia who was there to announce the upgrade of the cultural centre where we had our workshop,” she said.
“The response from the community to the training program has been amazing. We would like to thank the Mental Health Commission for making this possible.”
Kickett Consulting Director, Rosalie Kickett said their focus is to educate Aboriginal and Non-Aborginal people about the understanding of mental health through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid Training.
“I have worked for over 40 years caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, providing trauma, grief and loss intense therapeutic counselling to families and communities from an aftermath of suicides,” said Ms Kickett.
“Participants of the Mental Health First Aid course will learn about the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, upskilling in providing care for vulnerable people, how to provide first aid in a crisis situation and where they can find additional help.”
“I’m so proud to be working with GRAMS to bring the program to the Mid West and Gascoyne region to help keep the communities strong, build resilience, provide safe support and save lives.”
Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Teresa Miller said her lived experience, knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal people helps her to deliver practical and applicable knowledge to the people of the community.
“We believe educating our people is crucial in bringing about hope and positive change in the lives of many,” said Ms Miller.
“By teaching our people Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid, we give our people the skills necessary as first responders to potentially save lives in their communities.”
The next Mental Health First Aid Training will be held in Meekatharra on the 9th and 10th of September. To register, please contact Elaine Laraia on elaine.laraia@grams.asn.au
Mark McGowan with Mental Health First Aid Training participants
Mental Health First Aid Training in Geraldton
Mental Health First Aid Training participants receiving their certificate of completion
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