Benalla Rural City Council, in partnership with the Live4Life program, will next month offer a Youth Mental Health First Aid training course designed to give adults the tools to recognise and respond to mental health difficulties in young people.
Youth Mental Health First Aid training helps participants to identify signs of mental distress or crisis in young people and provide initial support until professional help is available. Upon completing the full training, participants are recognised as Mental Health First Aiders and
can assist with confidence, compassion, and knowledge when it matters most, the Council said in a statement.
The training is being held over four evening sessions:
 5pm – 9pm, Monday 10 November
 5pm – 9pm, Monday 17 November
 5pm – 9pm, Monday 24 November
 5pm – 9pm, Monday 1 December.
Participants must attend all four sessions to receive accreditation as a Mental Health First Aider.
Mayor, Bernie Hearn emphasised the importance of proactive measures to address mental health issues in the community.
“Mental health is a recognised problem in Benalla, and it’s imperative that we take action to better educate and support our community,” Mayor Hearn said.
“I encourage anyone that is interested to participate in this training. By doing so, we strengthen our ability to support and care for our young people, ensuring their well-being and resilience,” she said.
The Council, through the Live4Life Benalla partnership, is offering the training at a subsidised rate of $25 per participant.
For more information, or to register your interest visit www.benalla.vic.gov.au or call Council’s Customer Service team on 03 5760 2600.
