Mental Health First Aid
In todays society, we may tend to rely on the 'ambulance at the bottom of the cliff' rather than building a better fence at the top.
Mental Health training helps build a better fence by providing understanding, empathy, resources and actions to help someone who may be struggling.
Mental Health training helps build a better fence by providing understanding, empathy, resources and actions to help someone who may be struggling.
Mental Health First Aid Training In The Workplace
TePou is the licensed provider for MHFA in Aotearoa
What is Mental Health First Aid and the course outcome?
Similar to our expectation of physical first aid, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help given to someone where there is concern that they may be developing mental health challenges or experiencing a mental health crisis.
The MHFA course teaches participants about common mental health issues.
3 key internationally researched findings about MHFA is that it increases mental health literacy, decreases stigmatising attitudes and increases early help seeking behaviours. Upon completion of the course, some organisations have introduced Mental Health First Aid Officers, in the same way they have First Aid Officers.
Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa is an internationally recognised and accredited programme. Join over 6 million people globally who have already become MH First Aiders.
The MHFA course teaches participants about common mental health issues.
3 key internationally researched findings about MHFA is that it increases mental health literacy, decreases stigmatising attitudes and increases early help seeking behaviours. Upon completion of the course, some organisations have introduced Mental Health First Aid Officers, in the same way they have First Aid Officers.
Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa is an internationally recognised and accredited programme. Join over 6 million people globally who have already become MH First Aiders.
How do we teach it?
Tailored workplace scenarios, exercises and video training materials are used to assist learning so that participants complete the program with greater confidence and ability to help.
Simple communication and engagement strategies, based on international evidence, are taught that allow the Mental Health First Aider to provide support and information, encourage the person to seek appropriate professional help, and promote the use of other supports.
Course overview and takeaways
The program is a 12 hours program offered as either a 2 day in-person or online with 6 hours e-learning & 6 hours facilitated.
The 2 day intensive is the most effective and really engages the participants however it depends on travel and availability.
With any option chosen - the point is that committing to training and providing space and time to do the course is important.
All participants receive a copy of the MHFA Manual, and a Certificate of Participation. If participants pass the online assessment they will be recognised as an accredited MHFAider for their workplace or community with a 3-year accreditation.
In New Zealand, it is estimated that one in five people will suffer from medium to high levels of mental distress, and this statistic is trending upwards over time.
From an economic perspective, the annual cost burden of serious mental illness in New Zealand is around $12 billion or 5% of GDP.
An estimate shows that every dollar spent on creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace will create a return on investment of $2.30 and the positive impact these initiatives will have on individuals, employee engagement and workplace culture.
A mentally healthy workplace minimises harm and promotes protective factors for all employees, providing them with an open and supportive environment that promotes positive cultures conducive to mental wellbeing, as well as physical health and wellbeing.
An estimate shows that every dollar spent on creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace will create a return on investment of $2.30 and the positive impact these initiatives will have on individuals, employee engagement and workplace culture.
A mentally healthy workplace minimises harm and promotes protective factors for all employees, providing them with an open and supportive environment that promotes positive cultures conducive to mental wellbeing, as well as physical health and wellbeing.
Program options
Classroom Style (F2F) or Online available
A Mental Health First Aid course will teach you how to provide initial support to adults who may be experiencing mental health challenges or mental health crisis, until the crisis resolves, or specialist help is accessed, using a practical evidence-based Action Plan.
Mental Health crises covered:
› Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
› Non-suicidal self-injury
› Panic attacks
› Traumatic events
› Severe psychotic states
› Severe effects from alcohol or other substance use
Available as a 2 day in-person or 6 hours e-learning and 6 hours facilitated online video sessions
Mental Health crises covered:
› Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
› Non-suicidal self-injury
› Panic attacks
› Traumatic events
› Severe psychotic states
› Severe effects from alcohol or other substance use
Available as a 2 day in-person or 6 hours e-learning and 6 hours facilitated online video sessions
Classroom Style (F2F) or Online available
Refresher courses allow people who have previously completed a 12-hour Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Aotearoa course.
It is available to those that have a current MHFA accreditation that is about to expire (within 3-6 months of expiry) and provides an opportunity to extend their MHFA accreditation for a further three years.
The content of each refresher course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of professionals and people with lived experience of mental health challenges.
It covers the full MHFA program and updates as needed.
Available as 7 hours in-person or 2 x 3.5 hours online
It is available to those that have a current MHFA accreditation that is about to expire (within 3-6 months of expiry) and provides an opportunity to extend their MHFA accreditation for a further three years.
The content of each refresher course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of professionals and people with lived experience of mental health challenges.
It covers the full MHFA program and updates as needed.
Available as 7 hours in-person or 2 x 3.5 hours online
Training Programs available
Process
Apply and Pay
Complete the application form and pay for the sessions.
MHFA Online :add your postal address for us to send the MHFA course manual and materials
Materials and e-Learning
MHFA Online: Resources will be sent and a link to e-learning component.
MHFA F2F: materials provided at the course
MHFA-R: No materials provided, Link to e-learning sent
Undertake Live training
MHFA Online : Submit e-learning certificate. Attend 2x3 hr online facilitated training sessions
MHFA F2F: Attend training venue for 2 days of lessons
MHFA-R: 2x3.5 hours facilitated online
Completion and Accreditation
For all courses - complete the training then certify and accredit as needed.
Receive certificate of attendance.
Complete the final online test to receive 3 year MHFA accreditation
Features
MHFA F2F
MHFA Online
(MHFA-O)
(MHFA-O)
Refresher Online (MHFA-R)
Delivery
12 hours 2 days
Classroom Style F2F
Classroom Style F2F
6 hours pre-learning +
Online 2x 3 hours
Online 2x 3 hours
Online 2x3.5 hours
What's Provided
MHFA Manual, lanyard, pen, notebook
MHFA Manual, lanyard, pen, notebook
BYOB (bring your own book)
Prerequisites
Completed MHFA within last 3 years
Delivery time
2 days
2 x 3 hours online
7 Hours
Certificate
3 years
3 years
3 years
Organisational Bookings
Minimum bookings
Minimum bookings
(Min 8 / Max 20)
Travel/venue hire extra
(if required)
Travel/venue hire extra
(if required)
(Min 6 / Max 12)
(Min 6 / Max 12)
Pricing /Person (excl GST)
$550
$460
$430
Next Course dates,
location and status
(Use booking button below to enquire or confirm as needed)
location and status
(Use booking button below to enquire or confirm as needed)
17-18 Feb 26*
16-17 Jun 26*
(Sandringham Auckland)
16-17 Jun 26*
(Sandringham Auckland)
24-Feb 26 (filling fast)
6-May 26
6-May 26
3 Mar 2026
*NOTE: if there are not enough participants - the course will be shifted to a later date. This will be advised at least 3 weeks in advance.
If full - we could waitlist you - contact us.
Contact us for more information
Alternatively book a session!
We promise we will not spam or provide these details to anyone, and this is purely used to get back to you
MHFA)
This is an Online course made up of self-paced eLearning followed by a facilitated video workshop.
Course Delivery:
Self paced eLearning (5-7 hours)
Online workshop (specific date and times for 2 x 3 hours sessions)
Course Delivery:
- The course includes eLearning, a live workshop and the MHFA resource manual & materials;
Self paced eLearning (5-7 hours)
- Once you have registered & paid, you will be emailed a link to undertake your eLearning
- The e-Learning must be completed before the online facilitation.
Online workshop (specific date and times for 2 x 3 hours sessions)
- You will be emailed a meeting link for your workshop sessions
- Prepare for two sessions with an qualified Mental Health First Aid Facilitator (Note - proof of completing the eLearning will be required)
- It is an interactive workshop with a few breakouts, breaks, polls and practice conversations
- The 2 sessions are sometimes carried out in 1 day or 2 mornings
$
460.00
Who are these courses for?
Workplaces
Organisations are recognising the impact of Mental Health and are taking steps to support its people and provide a mentally supportive workplace
Communities
Not for profits, community organisations, educators and groups are understanding the need to support the people around them.
Individuals
Most of us have been affected in some way by mental health challenges, whether that be directly or within family, friends and/or neighbourhoods. Be a supportive parent, friend and take interest in those around.
Face to Face Overview
Note this overview is an example for the F2F course over 2 days.
Some changes are made to the order of online course however the content remains similar
Both F2F and Online use the same resource MHFA reference book which is yours to keep.
Some changes are made to the order of online course however the content remains similar
Both F2F and Online use the same resource MHFA reference book which is yours to keep.
Overview of a F2F session
Participants learn the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, where and how to get help and what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective. The program covers four modules. All participants receive a copy of the MHFA Manual and a Certificate of Completion. You can also undertake accreditation which will be valid for 3 years and can be renewed.
Covers the definitions, the scale, and builds the group
- Mental Illness: the prevalence and impact
- Mental Illness intervention techniques
- Depression- the signs, symptoms and the risk factors
- How to intervene when you see signs of depression
Mental Health First Aid intervention
- Crisis first aid for suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Crisis first aid for non-suicidal self-injury
- First aid for depression
- Anxiety: the signs, symptoms and the risk factors
- How to intervene when you see signs of anxiety
Supporting Crises and how to intervene
- Crisis first aid for panic attacks
- Crisis first aid after traumatic events
- First aid for anxiety problems
- Psychosis: the signs, symptoms and the risk factors
- How to intervene when you see signs of psychosis?
Intervention, understanding and crisis First Aid
- Crisis first aid for severe psychotic states
- First aid for psychosis
- Substance misuse: the signs, symptoms and the risk factors
- How to intervene when you see signs of substance abuse?
- Crisis first aid for severe effects of substance use
- Crisis first aid for aggressive behaviour
- First aid for substance use problems
Why 12 hours ? Can I do a one day course?
- MHFA has proven credibility on the international stage
- Its being going for over 25 years
- Evidence based and evidence informed
- Highly skilled instructors
- Immesive practice and role plays
- Comprehensive training
- Tailored courses for different groups
- Workplace recognition
Official MHFA international accreditation courses do not offer a one day course as it is based on immersive training outside of only crises responses. MHFA courses include in-depth sessions and immersive training, resulting in a deeper understanding and more confidence.
Feedback from some previous courses
- CountdownGrocery Supermarket ChainCourse was very engaging and covered all the relevant sections in relation to mental health challenges. The activities involved were very helpful in developing better understanding of the topic and has I feel empowered with the right knowledge that I have gained and can help others as well now
- Fisher and Paykel healthcarePharmaceutical companyFantastic course! Gary delivered content in a knowledgable, thoughtful and engaging way. Excellent!!
- QantasAirline
- The course was fascinating and empowering and by far exceeded my expectations. A special thanks to the amazing tutors who provided a safe and engaging environment for all participants
- Excellent thought provoking course which has given me much more knowledge on mental health and the importance of early intervention.
- The course was excellent. It was a lot of fun and gave practical tools to use in the real world. It exceeded my expectations.
- Wairoa District CouncilCity Council
- This course was great, Gary was amazing and really happy had the time to come to Queen street Wairoa :)
- I have taken away a lot of learnings from this course and am more confident in having difficult conversations
- Really enjoyable course, everyone should be encouraged to participate
- Yes for sure! super informative and interesting and relevant. Instructor is very good at delivery and engaging everyone.
- Dentsu NZGlobal Marketing company
- The course content is approachable and accessible. Gary's facilitation style is warm and easy going. He brings these topics to life through story telling and I really appreciated how he broke the sessions up with mini breakout activities to keep us engaged, fresh and to offer the group a reset from some heavy discussions when we needed it.
- This course exceeded my expectations. I liked the use of group activities and the ball to breakup the heavy content - really great use of time
- So many courses are a tick box exercise and I come out knowing it is unlikely I will ever think about that content again, let alone put anything in to practice - not the case here, what a great and insightful couple of days - and for so many reasons. Thank you
- Urgent CouriersDelivery Organisation
- There was adequate opportunity to practice the skills taught - People are different in learning styles
- I will be able to apply the knowledge and skills covered in the course
- Holiday Inn - HR teamHospitalityIt was a very interactive, engaging and informative session. There are things that I didn’t know before about mental health that I know now. It’s as simple as, Mental Health Challenges are normal. And it’s ok for others to reach out to us for help as well to reach out to others to help. I have been having conversations about mental health with others and have started using what I learnt. I would recommend these sessions to anyone.
- Multiple OrganisationsONLINE Training
- Gary Walker was an exceptional instructor. I know how hard it is to facilitate a course via an online platform but Gary handled it like a pro. I feel privileged to have done the course with such a genuine, approachable and knowledgeable person. He has shown me how it is possible to handle myself in a confident and non-judgemental manner.
- The course was amazing, loved it. Gary was a very clear and engaging Tutor. Definitely feeling was more confident and can’t wait to start implementing some changes at my work place and telling everyone to do this course!
- I rate the course extremely highly. I have helped many people at work with mental illness issues but the help was all from personal experience, now I feel confident that I can add my training learnings to be more professional and better understanding of the various causes of mental illness. I continue to be fascinated with mental learnings. The most knowledge the better. I am also very keen to put my learning to good use but unfortunately that means someone has to suffer from mental illness. I know from experience that’s not a great place to be for the person suffering or their family and friends.
Gary Walker
Accredited Instructor
About the Trainer: Gary is a behaviour change specialist with a background in Psychology, neuroscience and strategic leadership. He works as a coach, trainer, mentor, speaker and consultant across health, wellness, communication and sustainability.
He has a BSc Psychology, Computer Science, Dip Hypnotherapy, Masters in NLP and Diploma in Leadership & Strategic Management.
Gary worked as a volunteer counsellor, mentor and trainer at Youthline lifeline services and has extensive experience with supporting people, clients and businesses.
He has a BSc Psychology, Computer Science, Dip Hypnotherapy, Masters in NLP and Diploma in Leadership & Strategic Management.
Gary worked as a volunteer counsellor, mentor and trainer at Youthline lifeline services and has extensive experience with supporting people, clients and businesses.
Become a Mental Health First Aider today
Support those around you... (and maybe understand more yourself too!)
Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa is an internationally recognised and accredited programme. Join over 8 million+ people globally across 45 countries who have already become MH First Aiders. The accreditation is valid for 3 years. On completion of the course a certificate is provided and the comfort that your MHFA skills can be used within business, personal and community.
Contact us
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TePou is the licensed provider for MHFA in Aotearoa
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e-mail us: info@mhfa.co.nz