CCDNSW delivers MHFA program to arts workers
Mental Health First Aid for Cultural Workers In 2010 CCDNSW will be delivering the Mental Health First Aid Course to community artists and cultural workers.
The Mental Health First Aid Program (MHFA) was developed in 2001 at the Centre for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm. In 2005 the Program moved to ORYGEN Research Centre at the University of Melbourne. The Program has been well evaluated and found to be effective in improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma and increasing helping behaviours. These evaluations have been carried out in a workplace and a community setting. The program has spread to every state and territory of Australia and internationally.More information on MHFA
There are many reasons why artists working with communities need MHFA:
- Mental health problems are common and often hidden
- There is stigma associated with mental health problems
- Many people, including community artists, do not recognize mental health problems including trauma.
- Many people do not know how to help
- Professional help is not always available
- Many artists already work within mental health settings and programs
In 2010, CCDNSW will be offering Mental Health First Aid Training that has been targeted to Community Cultural Development and Community Arts workers. By participating in a CCDNSW MHFA course you will gain recognised professional training in this important area. Dates and costs are yet to be advised. Express your interest in participating in an MHFA course by emailing Annette Tesoriero
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