Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid

The Place-based Suicide Prevention Trials in the communities of Melton and Brimbank sought to reduce suicide deaths and suicide attempts through the application of a systems-based approach to suicide prevention. The trials sought to build a safety net within the community by increasing the capacity of community members and the health and social care workforce to recognise and respond appropriately to people at risk of suicide.

Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid is a national training program that develops participants’ knowledge about symptoms and behaviours associated with mental health concerns. 

This activity was part of the Melton and Brimbank Place-Based Suicide Prevention Trials.

North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) commissioned Aboriginal owned consultancy Girraway Ganyi to provide Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid Training to support the development of mental health literacy and suicide prevention knowledge in the child and family services workforce from the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA). 

13 participants completed the training course. They comprised:  

• 8 staff from the Aboriginal Wellness Foundation. These were also community members differing ages, including peer mentors. 
• 2 community Elders  
• 3 Western Health staff  

Feedback was uniformly good.