KUCHING, June 28: The Mental Health Association of Sarawak (MHAS) has successfully launched two standard ‘Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)’ training programmes, with the goal of equipping a first aider with the knowledge to provide early intervention to a person experiencing mental health problems.
According to a press release issued by MHAS today, the MHFA training programmes were conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, and Women, Family, and Childhood Development’s (KWKPK) Social Development Council, who sponsored the course.
“The event attracted over 35 participants from strategic government agencies including the National Anti-Drugs Agency, the Prison Department, community leaders, and medical officers.
“Over the course of two days, they learned how to understand and recognise common mental health problems, in particular depression, anxiety, psychosis, suicide, and non-suicidal self-injury.
“The MHAS trainers, Dr Ismail Drahman and Gill Raja, also guided the participants on how to approach and communicate with the affected person, as well as encourage the affected person to seek professional help,” MHAS stated.
The association went on to say that the MHFA is a licenced, evidence-based programme from MHFA International in Australia that can be run either online or in a physical format.
“The 12-hour course is suitable for adults who manage people in the workplace or at institutions of higher learning, as well as community leaders who people look to for assistance,” it added.
Furthermore, MHAS clarified that the Malaysian Mental Health Association holds the country licence for the standard MHFA programme and has adapted it for the Malaysian context.
“Their affiliate partner, MHAS, conducts the training in Sarawak.
“Participants who complete the course and pass an online ‘Accreditation Assessment’ will receive a MHFA Certificate, which is valid for three years.
“For further enquiries regarding the standard MHFA course for your community, organisation, or company, please contact info@mhasarawak.com or 082-231459,” MHAS said. — DayakDaily
