Mental Health First Aid

Training for Schools

The FNC is particularly interested in taking the Youth MHFA training into schools. Staff receiving the training can be anyone from the schools teachers, counsellors, librarians, volunteers, and administrative staff. Teachers next to parents play a critical role in the mental health of their students, being in a unique position to recognize changes in behaviour and early symptoms that could identify a developing problem. It is critical that teachers understand the impact of stress, trauma and depression on the adolescent and refer them for help as soon as possible. Schools and families need to work hand in hand with a preventative approach and in creating an environment that supports learning by nurturing healthy balanced individuals. Adult MHFA is also of importance in relation to the mental health of the teachers and staff themselves due to the stressful demands of the school environment.