YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING
Empowering adults to support young people's mental health across Mornington Peninsula and South East Melbourne
1 in 7 young Australians aged 12–25 will experience a mental health challenge this year.
For many, the difference between struggling alone and finding help comes down to one supportive adult who knows how to respond. Peninsula Mental Health First Aid offers nationally accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid training to help you be that person.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, youth worker, coach, or community member — you'll leave with practical skills and the confidence to make a real difference.
Be the support young people need. Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider today.
The Course
What is Youth Mental Health First Aid?
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is an evidence-based, nationally accredited program that teaches adults how to recognise and respond when a young person (aged 12–25) may be developing a mental health challenge or experiencing a crisis.
More information on the national MHFA Website: Youth Mental Health First Aid - Mental Health First Aid Australia
What You'll Learn
By completing this 14-hour program, you will:
✓ Recognise warning signs of mental health problems in young people aged 12-25
✓ Apply mental health first aid using an Action Plan across a range of common conditions and crisis situations, including:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Psychosis
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Substance use problems
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Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
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Panic attacks
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Non suicidal self-injury (self-harm)
✓ Have supportive conversations about mental health
✓ Guide young people toward appropriate professional help
✓ Care for your own wellbeing as a mental health first aider
✓ Receive a nationally recognised certificate valid for 3 years
Choose Your Format
All formats cover the same content and lead to the same nationally recognised accreditation.
Option 1: Blended Online 5–7 hours self-paced online + 7.5 hours live video conferencing
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Live video conferencing session either 1 x full day session or 3 × 2.5-hour sessions
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Most flexible option — learn from anywhere
Option 2: Blended Face-to-Face (in-house training only) 5–7 hours self-paced online + 7.5 hours in-person
- Either 1 x full day session or 2 x 3.5 hour sessions
Option 3: Face-to-Face (in-house training only) 14 hours in-person
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2 x full days or 4 x half-days
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Maximum interaction and hands-on practice
All formats include your YMHFA Manual, course materials, and Certificate of Accreditation (valid 3 years).
Course Options
Public Courses
For individuals and small groups
$320 per person
Join a scheduled course with other community members. Groups of 10–20 people.
Upcoming courses are listed below. Register or join the waiting list.
Courses are confirmed 2 weeks prior when minimum numbers are met. If the minimum isn't reached, you'll receive a full refund or free transfer to another date.
In-House Training
Training delivered at your location
Custom pricing for groups of 8+ (maximum of 22 participants).
We come to you, with scheduling tailored to your needs — including evenings, weekends, and school holidays. All three delivery formats are available.
Ideal for schools, educational settings, youth organisations, sports clubs, allied health teams, and any group working with young people.
Department of Education schools: YMHFA is listed on the Mental Health Menu and may be fully funded. Learn more about funding.
About
Meet your instructor: Clare Cox
With over 15 years working in Victoria's allied health and education sectors, I bring real-world experience to every training session.
As Mental Health Coordinator with the Victorian Department of Education, I coordinated mental health services across 26 secondary and specialist schools in Melbourne's north-west, led statewide professional development programs, and worked daily with schools, mental health practitioners, and community organisations to strengthen youth mental health support.
I hold a Master of Speech Pathology and a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, and am an accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor through Mental Health First Aid Australia.
I'm passionate about building community capacity to respond when young people are struggling. In my courses, you'll find a supportive learning environment where questions are welcomed, scenarios are realistic, and practical skills are prioritised — so you leave feeling genuinely confident to make a difference.
Get in Touch
Clare Cox
Accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor
📧 Email: clare@peninsulamhfa.com.au
📍 Serving: Mornington Peninsula & South East Melbourne
ABN: 60104347502