Evidence shows that workplaces can play an important role in maintaining the mental health and well-being of their staff. It has been recognised that the importance of a whole system approach to wellbeing at work is integral in creating safe, supportive and productive work and learning environments. The CSO Broken Bay has an ongoing commitment to employee wellbeing within this context and has recently been recognised through the Mental Health First Aid Skilled Workplaces Initiative and awarded a Gold Badge for the work in increasing mental health literacy through the delivery of Mental Health First Aid training. This 12 hour course teaches mental health first aid strategies for adults (MHFA – Standard) or young people (MHFA – Youth) who are experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem. Over 35 of our schools have now had at least one staff member trained through a joint initiative by the Employee Wellbeing and Safety team (Human Resource Services) and the Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing Team (Education Services). Ongoing courses in both standard Mental Health First Aid and youth Mental Health First Aid are scheduled in 2018.
St Marys Toukley staff participating in whole school training in Mental Health First Aid