After receiving a community grant from NIB Foundation, Upper Hunter Community Services (UHCS) were able to host a Teen Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA) program locally for Muswellbrook High School students in Years 10 and 11.

Highway to Well’s Sarah Green facilitated the program.

Pupils who participated in the course filled out a survey on completion, sharing their views on the importance of mental health education.

“It was very insightful and informative – I am glad that I now have the ability to identify if a peer or family member needs help,” one student said.

“It opened my eyes and I now realise how serious mental health is, and I now know how to access help,” added another.

Other comments from students highlighted the potential the course had to save lives.

“More people need to learn about mental health and remove the stigma,” a student noted.

UHCS’s Rebecca Eveleigh said the project was a huge success.

“[There was] overwhelmingly positive feedback received from the students, teachers and parents that completed the course,” she said.

“Thank you to NIB foundation for enabling us to educate our community and to break down the stigma that surrounds mental health.”

The grant also provided the opportunity for 40 Muswellbrook High School parents, carers and teachers to participate in a Youth Mental Health First Aid course.

Upper Hunter Community Services would like to acknowledge and thank BHP Mt Arthur Coal for their support through the Community Capacity Building Project.