Mental health challenges, like anxiety, depression, or crisis situations, can affect anyone, at any time. At the Australian Trauma Education Centre (ATEC), we believe everyone should have the tools to support those in need, which is why our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is designed to empower you with practical, compassionate skills.
Based in Berwick, ATEC offers MHFA courses for communities in Berwick, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Dandenong, Hallam, Clyde, Officer, and Beaconsfield, helping you make a difference, one conversation at a time.
What Is Mental Health First Aid?
Standard Mental Health First Aid is a course developed in Australia by Mental Health First Aid Australia. It teaches you how to recognise, approach and support people experiencing mental health challenges. Think of it as first aid for the mind, you’ll learn to recognise signs of distress, provide initial support, and guide someone towards professional care.
Whether you’re a counsellor in Narre Warren, a support worker in Dandenong, or a community member in Pakenham, this training equips you to respond with confidence and care.
ATEC runs public courses in Berwick and in-house training at workplaces. See all our training workshops and courses.
What the course includes
- 12 hours of training, usually over 2 days
- An MHFA manual to keep
- A certificate of completion
- An optional online assessment to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider for 3 years
Dates, venue and price are on our Mental Health First Aid course page.
ATEC’s Compassionate Approach in Berwick and Beyond
At ATEC, our MHFA training is practical and hands-on, with case studies, role plays and real-world practice. Courses are taught by Feren Yen, Accredited Standard MHFA Instructor, who brings a trauma-informed perspective so you feel supported as you learn. You’ll learn practical strategies, like how to listen without judgement, offer reassurance, and connect individuals with the right resources, all while fostering a safe space for growth. People come to our Berwick courses from across Casey and Cardinia, and we can also run the course at your workplace.
Who should take Mental Health First Aid training?
This training is perfect for anyone who wants to make a difference. Counsellors in Narre Warren can enhance their practice, teachers in Pakenham can better support students, and community members in Dandenong can help friends or family. If you’re passionate about creating a more supportive community in Beaconsfield, Officer, or Clyde, ATEC’s MHFA course is for you.
We welcome everyone, from professionals to individuals, to join us in Berwick and learn how to support mental health with care.
Working with people in distress at work? Pair MHFA with our trauma-informed de-escalation training. Teachers can also read why mental health training for teachers matters.
enquiries@atec.vic.edu.au
