College Psychologist and accredited Youth Mental Health Frist Aid (YMHFA) instructor, Chris Davis, facilitated two parent YMHFA courses in October and November. The courses were held over two full days (14 hours) with a total of 21 parent participants, who are now fully accredited in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

This YMHFA course teaches adults how to assist adolescents who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves.

The course covers depression, anxiety, eating disorders, psychosis and substance misuse. It also covers crisis such as suicidal thoughts and behaviours, non-suicidal self-injury, panic attacks, traumatic events, severe psychotic states, acute effects from alcohol or other drug misuse and aggressive behaviours.

This College initiative aims to offer more YMHFA courses to parents throughout next year, and gradually train as many staff as possible through professional development opportunities.

Some comments about the course by participants include:

“The course was fantastic and personally, for me, it was an eye-opener. I would encourage all parents and carers to attend the course”.

“Incredibly positive. Every parent of teens and every person who works with teens would benefit from doing this course”.

“So worthwhile. A great initiative by Santa to train parents. I hope that the majority of parents participate in the course”

“Well presented and relevant to life”.

“The course was well received by the group, we covered some very difficult subjects that at times were very confronting”.