Delivered in-person, this course will teach you how to help a co-worker experiencing mental health challenges. It includes 6 hours of self-guided eLearning followed by a 5-hour in-person workshop session.

You will be receiving:

1. Access to the e-learning component, which must be completed before attending the first virtual workshop
2. A MHFA hardcopy manual after the workshop. Please send an email request confirming your post address to cpd@collaw.edu.au.

The eLearning component of the program will cover:

• Developing mental health problems: Depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance use problems and eating disorders.
• Mental health crises: Suicidal thoughts and behaviours, non-suicidal self-injury, panic attacks, traumatic events, severe psychotic states, severe effects from alcohol or other drug use and aggressive behaviours.

From the five-hour in-person workshop session, you will:

• Learn how to recognise signs and symptoms of mental health problems and crises in your employees and co-workers
• Understand risk factors and appropriate evidence-based treatments and supports
• Learn how to respond and offer appropriate support to employees and co-workers using the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan ALGEE

Graeme Haas, Senior Lecturer, College of Law

Graeme is a solicitor with over 20 years’ experience. He has worked as a commercial lawyer for a national firm and also as a suburban general practitioner. Since his admission Graeme has been heavily involved with community legal centres. He has lectured at the College since 2006, and has a particular interest in professional skills and wellbeing. Graeme is a MHFA instructor and has extensive experience delivering MHFA courses to the profession.

Diana Mills, Adjunct Lecturer, College of Law

Diana Mills is a trained Mental Health First Aid Instructor, specially accredited to deliver a range of engaging and interactive mental health education programs. She has a personal passion for mental health, having supported many friends, family and work associates through tough periods in their life. As a small business owner and qualified lawyer, Diana has a unique understanding of the stresses involved with working in high pressure workplaces.

Diana teaches specialist mental health and wellbeing courses for early career lawyers at the College of Law. Diana became an Accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructor after seeing first-hand the positive impact it can have on individuals and workplaces. Her empathetic and evidence-based approach makes her an ideal presenter for community groups, small to medium enterprise and corporate workplaces.

Andrea Phillips, Adjunct Lecturer, The College of Law and Tutor, Monash University

As an Adjunct Lecturer at the College of Law, Andrea is also a Teaching Associate and Mindfulness Tutor at Monash University. She holds degrees in Law and Psychology. With a passion for health and wellbeing in the workplace, Andrea is a Mental Health First Aid Trainer who understands the stresses and demands faced by lawyers working in the profession. Her expertise and techniques, combined with Mental Health First Aid Australia research and scientific studies, allow her to deliver an exceptional program that will teach Partners, Lawyers and employees based in legal firms and organisations how to assist those experiencing a mental health problem.

MHFA training is recommended for staff at all levels of seniority and across all departments. This course is tailored to legal workplaces and the workshop sessions are facilitated by experienced legal professionals.

You must complete the six-hour online (eLearning) component before attending the first workshop.

If you intend to claim CPD units for this educational activity, please note that CPD activities are not accredited by the Law Society of NSW or any other equivalent local authority, with the exception of Western Australia. If you hold a practising certificate in a state or territory other than Western Australia and this educational activity extends your knowledge and skills in areas that are relevant to your practice needs or professional development, then you should claim one (1) “unit” for each hour of attendance, refreshment breaks not included. The annual requirement is ten (10) CPD units each year from 1 April to 31 March. Some practitioners, such as accredited specialists are required to complete more than ten (10) units each CPD year.

Practitioners holding WA practising certificates are eligible to earn CPD points for this course. For instructions to earn CPD points, please click here.

Renew your Mental Health First Aid accreditation and brush up on your knowledge

From our 5-hour live virtual Refresher Course (including breaks), you will:

• Gain an understanding of the latest research in the mental health field
• Learn the 3 key actions for helping someone feeling suicidal
• Work through complex mental health first aid interactions
• Practice mental health first aid skills with the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan ALGEE
• Upon completion of your Refresher Course, you can attempt another accreditation assessment to extend your accreditation by a further 3 years.
• Earn 4 CPD Units

The College encourages MHFA Training across at all levels of seniority, departments and genders to ensure diversity of support. This course is for all lawyers and non-legal staff working within a legal environment.

If you are interested in providing training for your firm, contact us to coordinate everything from enrolment to completion. The course can be delivered on-site in your offices or at our campuses in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney.

For more information, please contact us for more information. 

Please be aware that video/audio recording may occur at professional development events organised by the College of Law for use on our website, marketing materials and publications. By attending and participating in a College of Law Continuing Professional Development course, you consent to the College of Law photographing or recording and using your image and likeness.