World Mental Health Day

The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to increase efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for anyone working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

To play our role in this international movement we are turning the spotlight to mental health first aid by updating our knowledge and experience through education and reaching out in acts of kindness. When terrible things happen in our communities, we can reach out a helping hand to those who are affected. Perhaps you find yourself at the scene of an accident where people are hurt. Perhaps you are a health care worker or teacher talking with someone from your community who has just witnessed the violent death of a loved one. Perhaps you are called upon as a staff member in a disaster or volunteer to help asylum seekers who have recently arrived in your community. Learning the basic principles of mental health first aid will help us provide support to people who are very distressed and importantly, to know what not to say.

To find out more about mental health first aid visit the Mental Health First Aid Australia website.