City of Casey Council is helping to equip residents with the skills and confidence to support people experiencing mental health challenges through the delivery of a series of Mental Health First Aid training sessions.
Between December 2025 and June 2026, the Council delivered 11 training sessions to more than 250 community members from a range of groups, including older men, professionals working with older adults, youth-focused cohorts and members of an Afghan women’s group.
The training provided practical tools to recognise the signs of mental health challenges, respond appropriately and connect people with professional support.
Council also partnered with Outside The Locker Room to deliver six mental health awareness sessions to 15 local sporting clubs, attended by more than 200 people. The sessions focused on promoting positive club culture, increasing mental health awareness and addressing issues, such as gambling.
“Mental Health First Aid training is helping to build a more informed, resilient and supportive community, with more people feeling confident and equipped to look out for one another,” said Mayor, Stefan Koomen.
In feedback received by the Council, participants highlighted the practical value of the training, saying:
“The training has given me the ability to recognise and reach out to friends and family needing help.”
“I will be more confident in reaching out and asking if I see something that may be of concern.”
“As a member of the Men’s Shed, this education will give me confidence to support men who say they are not OK.”
The Council says the program delivered strong results, with nearly three-quarters of participants reporting they felt very or extremely confident supporting someone experiencing a mental health challenge after completing the training, compared with much lower confidence levels before attending.
