About
Build a better fence
MHFA is like building a better, stronger fence at the top of the mountain, to help reduce the number of people needing an ambulance at the bottom.
Learning to help others is building that fence. It's about intervening earlier and more effectively. It’s about having the courage and skills to notice what's going on for someone, ask the tough questions, and then truly listen - without judgment.
When people feel unseen or unheard, they can fall. This training provides the skills to listen, acknowledge, support, and guide them toward the right resources , preventing the fall and the much harder climb back up.
This isn't just for professionals; it's for all of us. You learn these skills for your family, your friends, your coworkers, and your community. You might even do it for yourself, to gain a better understanding of what's going on in your own life.
About the Trainer
Gary is a behaviour change specialist with a background in Psychology, NLP, 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.
Gary Walker
Frequently Asked Questions
Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa is an internationally recognised and accredited programme.
Join over 11 million+ people globally across 45 countries who have already become MH First Aiders (2024).
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.
The official MHFA international accreditation courses do not offer a one day course which normally only cover crises responses.
MHFA courses include in-depth sessions and immersive training, lived experience, crises response, resulting in deeper understanding and more confidence.
MHFA has proven credibility on the international stage
It's been going for over 25 years
Evidence based and evidence informed
Highly skilled instructors
Immersive practice and role plays
Comprehensive training
Tailored courses for different groups
Workplace recognition
Yes - we offer organisational training to suit your timing and location.
Contact us for either an online or face to face course
Just like Physical First Aid courses - corporate courses are an essential addition to any workplace health and safety program. Not only for peer support, management or HR - it also provides support across all areas of the workplace.
Yes. From an economic perspective, the annual cost burden of serious mental illness in New Zealand is around $12 billion or 5% of GDP. (2023)
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.
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. Not only does this impact absenteeism, return to work programs but also absenteeism (showing up but not showing up)