Mental health training for emergency-affected communities
We have mental health training specifically available in response to emergencies or disasters. We may be able to cover the cost of courses for people and organisations in need in areas affected by Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle.
On this page:
- Psychological First Aid
- Psychological First Aid in disasters workshop
- Recovery Matters workshop
- Enquire about our free training
Psychological First Aid training
Psychological First Aid is a method of helping people in distress, so they feel calm and supported in coping with their challenges. It’s a way of assisting someone to manage their situation and make informed decisions. This course provides training and tools for people to support others who are in distress following an event, including disasters.
Course participants receive a certificate of attendance.
Duration: seven hours
Group size: 20 people
Learning outcomes
- Understand what Psychological First Aid is and isn’t.
- Become familiar with distress reactions.
- Provide Psychological First Aid using the Five Elements and action principles:
- Look – know some of the warning signs.
- Listen – how to check in, listen, and respond.
- Link – connect to the right support.
- Practice providing Psychological First Aid.
Psychological First Aid in disasters workshop
This course is for anyone providing support to others affected by the northern floods or Cyclone Gabrielle. It’s a condensed version of our longer Psychological First Aid training course.
Course participants receive a certificate of attendance.
Duration: three hours
Group size: 24 people
Learning outcomes
- Understand what Psychological First Aid is and isn’t.
- Become familiar with distress reactions.
- Understand the tools of Psychological First Aid using the Five Elements and action principles:
- Look – know some of the warning signs.
- Listen – how to check in, listen, and respond.
- Link – connect to the right support.
Recovery Matters workshop
This course helps people manage their own feelings and the responses that people around them have to a disaster. Unpack the science of stress and its impact on how we feel, function, and relate to others. The workshop provides practical tips and tools to help yourself—or those you’re supporting—through the recovery process.
Duration: three hours
Group size: 24 people
Learning outcomes
- Understand the impacts on people after an event and recognise distress responses.
- Be aware of responses in recovery.
- Learn about Dr Rob Gordon’s ‘four processes of recovery’.
- Be reminded of how to look after yourselves.
More information about Recovery Matters
Shareable posters
Psychological First Aid training flyer
Psychological First Aid in Disasters flyer
Recovery Matters workshop flyer