Ministry of Education staff train in Youth MHFA

Youth Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa has been embraced by Otago/Southland Ministry of Education (MOE) staff.

MOE wellbeing advisor, Melissa Mitchell-Bain, was part of the initial Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Aotearoa trainer cohort in Southern Lakes in June 2023.

Since training, Melissa has facilitated workshops for Ministry of Education staff in Cromwell, Invercargill and Dunedin.

“The opportunity has been snapped up by many staff who see this knowledge and understanding as a key component of their mahi and duty of care in schools, and indeed within their own whānau and communities,” says Melissa.

To date, 36 Otago/Southland MOE staff have become accredited Youth Mental Health First Aiders, thanks to Melissa’s passion for the programme.

“This mahi is so important in our communities,” says Melissa.

“It is wonderful the team, who regularly work in schools and with rangatahi, has enhanced their knowledge and confidence so they can better support young people experiencing a mental health challenge.”

Youth MHFA Aotearoa teaches participants what signs and symptoms to look out for, what the common mental health challenges are for our youth and equips them with the confidence to have that initial conversation. The programme also provides people with information about what professional and other supports are available.

Staff who have attended the workshops said that the course has been helpful for their mahi and in their own lives with rangatahi that are close to them. They learnt about resources and other supports available and said that the workshop also supported their own mental health and wellbeing.

Youth MHFA Aotearoa provides people with a five-step action plan, also known as the ALGEE framework. Participants said this was helpful to guide conversations with rangatahi, and several team members have already used this within their mahi.

• Approach, assess and assist any crisis
• Listen and communicate non-judgementally
• Give support and information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
  
• Encourage other supports

Participants also shared how the course helped them identify what is normal teenage development and what signs they might see when a mental health challenge is developing. “The take-away message is to offer support early, and this course gives our staff the skills and knowledge to do just that,” says Melissa.

She encourages schools to think about how they might incorporate Youth Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa training as part of their health, safety and wellbeing policies and practices.

“Ideally, planning for all staff to attain their Youth Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa certificate, or alternatively committing to a percentage of staff trained and for them to be identified as Mental Health First Aiders within the school team are great steps in supporting rangatahi wellbeing,” says Melissa.

Te Pou holds the national license for MHFA Aotearoa, and the development of the Youth MHFA Aotearoa programme was funded by Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group.