MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Mental Health First Aid B
allina State Emergency Service (SES) unit, recently hosted a two day accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course, across a delightfully sunny May weekend. Motivated participants included neighbouring SES friends from Lismore City, Coraki, Kyogle and Northern Rivers Capability units, who accrued a checklist of strategies, applied to provide appropriate first aid care for persons experiencing mental health challenges. An initiative of Superintendent Commander (SUPT CDR) Northern Rivers Command, Mark Elm, the MHFA course was deemed a priority after SUPT CDR Elm recognised the importance of providing mental health training for members in the Northern Rivers Command, ‘ in response to many months of backto-back severe weather operations and recognition of the effect of cumulative fatigue and the effect it was having on volunteers’. Facilitated by NSW SES Volunteers Association (SESVA) accredited trainers, Shannon Crofton and Erin Pogmore, the dynamic MHFA program highlighted the ALGEE Action Plan. ALGEE represents the combined techniques of Approach, Listening, Giving support and information, Encouraging professional help and Encouraging other supports. MHFA course objectives also included; recognising the signs of persons experiencing mental health
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THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021
problems; simple MHFA scripting recommendations; assisting in the mitigation of mental health crises; and monitoring persons engaged in continuous recovery practices. Participants comfortably contributed to a broad range of discussions and activities, and positive feedback responses clearly indicated an overall valuable experience. Upon course completion, participants also have the opportunity to complete an online assessment and receive
a Certificate of Accreditation, valid for a period of three years. The combined SES members in attendance, gratefully acknowledge the SESVA for sponsoring the course and highly commend Shannon and Erin for their exceptional delivery and commitment to supporting SES volunteers. Susan Morrison Deputy Unit Commander & Peer, Ballina
