Youth Mental Health First Aid

Workshop Overview

Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person in a mental health crisis. Mental health first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received, and the crisis is resolved. 

Mental health first aid does not teach you how to be a therapist. Rather it teaches how to recognise the symptoms of mental health problems, how to provide initial help and how to go about guiding a person to appropriate professional help. 

This CPD workshop introduces participants to what Youth Mental Health First Aid entails and specific focus is given to crisis first aid. 

This includes information about suicide and self-harming behaviour, with a focus on youth. The participant will gain specific knowledge regarding what suicide is, related myths and how to assist a youth who is suicidal.  

Additionally, the participant will also get a better understanding of the range of self-harm behaviours with clear explanations for this complex challenge, currently faced by youth and adolescents.  

Lastly, an overview will be given about the 5-step ALGEE model used by mental health first aiders with a specific focus on the A for crises.  

Is this workshop for you?

This workshop is for psychologists, registered counsellors and other mental health professionals who want a better understanding of what self-harm and suicide entail. It can also be beneficial for teachers and others who work with youth.

Dates and Registration

Class of 2024 June: 25 June 2024 @ 18:00 South Africa Standard Time (SAST) 

Certification

This CPD workshop has been designed for mental health professionals wanting to gain specific knowledge in suicide and self-harming behaviour in youth. 

The certificate serves as evidence of your new skills and knowledge and can be used to demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

Attend a live online session, or watch the recording, and complete an online reading and assessment.

CPD points [3 CEU Continuing Education Units points] pending. 

Workshop Overview

• Introduction of the topic and overview of the workshop. 
• Defining youth mental health, first aid and mental health continuum.  
• Statistics from WHO & Unicef. 
• South African statistics according to the Children’s Institute. 
• The importance of Mental Health First Aid. 
• How Mental Health First Aid aligns with the National Mental Health Policy Framework.  
• Defining suicide, addressing myths related to suicide and how to assist a suicidal person. 
• Conceptualising the concept of self-harm. 
• Different self-harming behaviours. 
• Applying the A from the ALGEE model during Crisis First Aid. 
• Questions and discussion. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop practitioners will:

• Have a better understanding of what Youth Mental Health First Aid entails. 
• Understand the importance of requiring this skill when working with youth. 
• Gain more knowledge about self-harm behaviours and suicide.  
• Understand what constitutes a crisis (mental health) and when to seek medical help. 
• Know how to apply the A as part of the ALGEE model. 

Workshop Presenter

Inge Nieuwaudt is an Educational Psychologist working in the field of learning and development. She’s currently in private practice within the school setting and as a mental health trainer in the corporate setting. 

She has experience working with youth aged 4-25 and their parents. Her experience includes working as a teacher, remedial therapist, registered counsellor, educational psychologist, lecturer, consultant, divorce and family mediator and trainer.

Inge combines her experience and love for teaching during training courses and workshops. She aims to live out her mission towards a society experiencing improved mental health and wellbeing.