Kerry Mental Health Association wants to hear from community or not-for-profit organisations in the county to compile a schedule of mental health first aid courses over the coming months.
Three FREE mental health first aid courses have already been delivered in MTU Kerry Campus Tralee and the Ross Café Killarney in February 2024 with 30 participants in attendance.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the initial help given to someone who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional support is received or until the crises resolves.
The courses were funded by the HSE and Mental Health Ireland and were licensed by Mental Health First Aid Ireland.
The General Manager of Kerry Mental Health Association, John Drummey, said: “The training has been shown to improve attitudes towards people with mental health difficulties, reduce stigma and improve knowledge. It improves people’s confidence in providing help and likelihood to advise people to seek professional help. We now have six instructors who have received the necessary training required to deliver courses to adults involved in community and not-for-profit organisations in the county. It is our aim to provide free and affordable mental health first aid training to the people of Kerry and our fundraising efforts will focus on achieving that.”
Anyone who is interested in attending a mental health first aid course over the coming months should send an email to [email protected].
