Mental health support training | Perth and regional WA
When someone is struggling, know how to start the conversation.
Practical mental health support training to help you notice concerns, listen without judgement and connect people with appropriate help.
Choose a self-paced online introduction or build your skills through practical workplace and community training with Britt Brennan from REACHAU.
You do not need to have every answer. You can learn how to offer support and recognise when more help is needed.
Two non-accredited course options developed by ABC First Aid (RTO 3399).
Wanting to help is a good start. Knowing how helps you take the next step.
A colleague seems overwhelmed. A team member has withdrawn. Someone in your community says they are not coping.
You want to say something, but you worry about getting it wrong, overstepping or being asked a question you cannot answer.
REACHAU's mental health support training helps you understand your role in those moments. Learn how to approach a conversation with care, respect the person's choices and recognise the limits of the support you can provide.
Choose the training that suits you
Mental Health Support in the Workplace and Community (non-accredited)
Practical learning with opportunities to put the skills into words and actions.
Work through realistic situations with Britt, practise supportive conversations and use the CARES action plan to guide your response.
The course explores everyday support as well as recognising crisis situations, responding to safety concerns and connecting people with appropriate services.
- Blended learning combines online learning with a face-to-face practical session.
- A fully face-to-face format is also described in the course program. Ask about availability for your group.
- Learning includes knowledge questions, observed scenarios and a written action plan.
- Course resources include CARES, empowering communication and support-service information.
- Non-accredited short course.
A good fit if: You want supported practice, discussion and feedback, or you are arranging training for a team or community group.
Timing: Contact Britt to confirm the format, online learning requirements and session length for your booking.
Discuss a practical group sessionIntroduction to Mental Health Support (non-accredited)
A starting point for mental health awareness.
This online course introduces the knowledge and communication skills that support a more informed, compassionate response to mental health challenges in everyday settings.
Explore recognising early signs of mental distress, communicating with empathy and understanding appropriate responses when someone needs support.
- Fully online and self-paced.
- System-marked learning activities.
- No face-to-face session or trainer-led delivery.
- Suitable for people beginning to build their understanding across workplace and community settings.
- Non-accredited short course.
A good fit if: You want an introduction you can work through independently.
Enquire about online accessWhat the practical course helps you learn
Notice and approach
Build your understanding of mental health and recognise changes that may prompt a supportive conversation, without making assumptions or attempting a diagnosis.
Listen in a way that empowers
Practise open questions, active listening, reflection and allowing space for someone to speak. Explore how your words, tone and body language affect a conversation.
Respect the person
Consider privacy, individual choice, cultural differences and the person's own priorities when offering support.
Recognise when safety needs attention
Learn about identifying crisis situations, responding within your role and seeking appropriate assistance.
Help someone connect with support
Explore referral pathways and how to offer options without taking over the person's decisions.
Look after yourself too
Understand boundaries, self-care and when to seek advice, debriefing or additional support.
A framework to guide your response: CARES
The practical course uses ABC First Aid's CARES Mental Health Action Plan.
| C: Check for safety | Recognising immediate risks and when additional help is needed. |
|---|---|
| A: Approach with empathy | Listening patiently, respectfully and without judgement. |
| R: Reassure and respond | Offering calm support and considering manageable next steps. |
| E: Empower with options | Exploring suitable support while respecting the person's choices. |
| S: Support and self-care | Considering follow-up, boundaries and the wellbeing of the person offering support. |
You will practise applying the framework through scenarios and discussion, rather than simply memorising the letters.
Built for people who support other people
The practical course suits managers, team leaders, HR teams, educators, trainers, community workers, volunteers and sporting groups. It also welcomes people who want to better understand how to support others in everyday life.
For workplaces, the course includes awareness of psychosocial hazards such as bullying and workload pressures, alongside practical communication and support skills.
Training supports learning and awareness. It does not replace your organisation's responsibility to identify and manage workplace risks.
Understand why. Practise how.
Britt Brennan brings an empowerment-focused approach to training, backed by a Diploma of Mental Health, a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition) and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Her experience includes supporting people facing barriers to employment and helping learners recognise their strengths and take practical next steps.
In Britt's facilitated sessions, the focus is on understanding why an approach matters and having the opportunity to practise it. That includes listening without rushing to fix everything, respecting someone's choices and knowing when to connect them with further help.
Training and Assessment is delivered by Britt at Regional Education and Career Help Australia on behalf of ABC First Aid RTO 3399. These mental health courses are non-accredited.
Add mental health support to your workplace first aid training
Your team may need to respond to a physical emergency, recognise that someone is struggling, or support a colleague through a difficult conversation.
Ask REACHAU about arranging Mental Health Support in the Workplace and Community alongside HLTAID011 Provide First Aid.
We can discuss your group's needs, location and available time to plan the delivery. First aid and mental health support have separate learning and completion requirements. The mental health component remains non-accredited.
Questions about the training
Are these courses nationally recognised?
No. Both mental health courses are non-accredited short courses developed by ABC First Aid. They do not award a nationally recognised qualification or Statement of Attainment.
What is the difference between the two options?
The introduction is fully online, self-paced and completed without trainer-led delivery. The Workplace and Community course includes facilitated learning and practical activities, with opportunities to practise and demonstrate your response.
Do I need previous mental health training?
The Workplace and Community course has no formal course entry requirements. If you have learning or access needs, discuss them with Britt before booking.
How long does it take?
The introduction is self-paced. For the practical course, the time commitment depends on the delivery format and includes the required learning and assessment activities. Ask Britt to confirm the schedule and any online preparation for your booking.
Will there be practical activities or assessment?
Yes. The Workplace and Community course includes knowledge questions, observed practical scenarios and an action plan. You will practise applying your learning to realistic situations.
Can you deliver training at our workplace?
Contact Britt to discuss on-site training across Perth and regional Western Australia. Include your location, approximate participant numbers and preferred dates so the delivery arrangements can be discussed.
Will this qualify me to diagnose conditions or provide counselling?
No. The focus is supportive communication, recognising concerns, responding within your role and connecting people with appropriate help. The courses do not replace professional mental health care.
What if I find the topics difficult?
Mental health discussions can feel personal. Speak with Britt about any concerns or support needs before attending. Support-service information is included in the practical course resources.
Can we combine this with first aid?
Yes, ask about arranging mental health support and first aid training for your group. The courses retain their separate requirements, and the mental health training remains non-accredited.
Let's work out what your group needs
Tell Britt who the training is for, where you are based and what you would like your people to feel more confident doing.
Whether you are exploring an online introduction, practical team training or a combined first aid booking, we can discuss the next step.
Please do not share personal mental health details in an enquiry. Just tell us about your group and what you need.
Need support now?
This is a training enquiry page, not a crisis support service. In an emergency, call 000. For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.