The men completed the Aboriginal mental health first aid training course held in Batemans Bay last week to coincide with NAIDOC events.

Organised by the Southern NSW Medicare Local for its Deadly Dads Aboriginal men’s group, the full day of training taught participants to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems.

They were also taught how to give appropriate initial help and support to someone experiencing a mental health problem.

Aboriginal health manager Malindey Sorrell said the training was arranged as a result of feedback from the men’s group.

“Mental health first aid is a national program that teaches mental health first aid strategies,” Ms Sorrell said. 

“After the training, the men told us they now better understand mental health in their communities. 

“Some of them have seen mental illness affect their friends and families and the training has helped them recognise what is happening and how they can help.”

Coping and life skills were also gained, with one participant crediting the training with increasing his confidence in applying for positions within the Aboriginal health field. 

“What we didn’t realise was how beneficial the training would be in other areas of the men’s lives,” Ms Sorrell said.

Coinciding with NAIDOC week celebrations, Ms Sorrell says this type of training helps pave the way for positive change at the local level. 

The health team also runs regular diabetes clinics, mums and bubs clinics, and health checks at schools and general practices. 

Find out more at snswml.com.au/aboriginalhealth or call 4475 0800.