Whilst first-aid courses for physical emergencies have long been the norm, mental health is often still overlooked. Kitzingen Adult Education Centre aims to change this and is offering an MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) first-aider course for the first time this autumn/winter term.
The course covers the basics of mental health, helps to break down reservations and prejudices, and equips participants with the practical confidence to support family members, friends and colleagues who are experiencing mental health crises. Over two days, totalling twelve hours, a social education worker and a psychologist will explain how to recognise mental health issues and crises at an early stage and provide the best possible support to those affected. Upon completion of the course, participants have the opportunity to obtain accreditation as an MHFA first aider by taking an online test.
Kilian Halbig, head of the VHS, is delighted with the new programme and hopes it will prove very popular. “More than 40 per cent of people in Germany experience a mental health condition requiring treatment at some point in their lives,” he emphasises. The new programme is therefore highly relevant to him – both for individuals and for businesses and organisations wishing to train staff to deal with mental health crises. “In a mental health crisis – for example, in the event of suicidal thoughts, a panic attack or acute psychosis – someone with the right skills can help the person affected and help prevent the situation from escalating further,” he explains. Another benefit is that the knowledge and understanding gained can help reduce the widespread discrimination and stigmatisation faced by people with mental health problems.
Dates: 29 and 30 January, from 9 am to 4 pm on both days at the Luitpoldbau in Kitzingen. For more information and to register, visit www.vhs-kitzingen.de
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MHFA is an internationally recognised programme that was developed in Australia in 2000 and is now offered in over 50 countries. Millions of people worldwide have already completed training in mental health first aid. The aim is to recognise mental health distress and crises at an early stage, respond appropriately and support those affected – much like a traditional first-aid course for physical emergencies.