Youth Mental Health First Aid training

What's it all about?

The Youth Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how to provide initial support to a young person (aged 12–18) who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.

Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adolescents, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the treatments and supports available.

Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, course participants learn how to approach a young person they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to help a young person to seek professional help or other supports.

Adults who complete the course and undertake an assessment become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most.

This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program.

Who will be leading the session?

Loren Polzot has worked in the youth and community services sector in various roles for more than 30 years in NSW and Victoria. She is passionate about professional development and holistic strength based programs which support staff to deliver quality services and maintain their wellbeing.

Loren is an accredited Master trainer in Standard, Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid training which is available to schools, youth services and adults working with or engaged with youth issues.

Loren recently started her own consultancy business providing professional training and wellness programs for community services, schools and government agencies which work with young people and youth issues.

if you would like to get in touch with Loren prior to registering for the course, please contact her via email.

Term 1 2026 Information

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) will run on the following dates:

• Session 1: Saturday 28 February 2026, 9am - 4.30pm

• Session 2: Thursday 5 March 2026, 6pm - 9pm

• Session 3: Thursday 12 March 2026, 6pm - 9pm

Attendance at all three sessions is a requirement of accreditation.

Participants must be over the age of 18 to attend.

The cost for this course is $70, and all participants receive a course manual and will be able to undertake an assessment once they complete the course, to become an accredited first aider.

The course requires a minimum of 6 participants to go ahead (maximum of 20 students). If we do not attract enough participants to the course, a refund of the course fee will be organised.

Tea and Coffee will be available throughout the day. Please provide your own lunch.