Mental health issues affect 1 in 5 Australians and can have a significant impact at work and at home. To support our staff and volunteers, St Agnes’ Parish delivered the nationally accredited, two-day training on 17 & 18 June for Mental Health First Aid.

The training provides practical strategies to respond to a mental health crisis regarding issues such as: anxiety, depression, psychosis, suicide, self-harm and substance use.

11 participants attended from teams across the Parish including CCA, Centacare Kempsey, Communications, Finance and WHS and 2 external participants attended from the NSW Police and AFL. “The information about mental health signs and symptoms was really interesting and practical, I feel confident to apply Mental Health First Aid now”, said Pip Owen. The Mental Health First Aid training is delivered by Don Mackenzie, Manager, Community Services and the next session is 21-22 October 2019.