About this Course
- This Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa course has been developed over 15 years by a combination of university researchers, professionals, and people with lived experience of mental distress and illness in Australia and New Zealand. Read more here.
- It is an accredited, international programme and has been presented to over 4 million participants in 24 countries. It is adapted under license in New Zealand to reflect New Zealand cultures, services, and statistics. Read more here.
- Stepping Stone Trust is accredited to provide the standard adult 2-day Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa course of 14 hours.
- Watch this video to get an idea of what the course has to offer.
- Course times: 9am – 4pm both days.
- Catering: Includes morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea.
Who should do this course
- Employees, Team Members, Managers, Supervisors, Team Leaders;
- Contractors who work with others;
- Sports Coaches, Sports Team Managers, Club Captains;
- Leaders of faith communities;
- First Aiders looking to extend their skills;
- Those seeking a professional development opportunity;
- Teachers, Tutors, Instructors, Volunteers;
- Counselors, Life Coaches, Mentors;
- Those looking to increase their confidence in helping those around them;
- Any adult responsible for the well-being of others, or looking to learn how to provide mental health first aid, with a view to helping others, whether in the workplace or their community.
Need a course tailored and delivered to your Workplace or Organisation?
Send an email to mhfa@stepstone.org.nz or phone 03 338 6390 and let us know your requirements. We can arrange courses to suit you and your organisation’s needs.
Next Courses coming up in 2025
Further 2025 dates will be set soon. Courses are held in Christchurch unless otherwise noted.
Send an email with your details, preferred course dates, and any questions, to us at: mhfa@stepstone.org.nz and we will be in touch.
2025 Course Dates
4-5 September: Youth Mental Health First Aid Course, Waimakariri
This course is fully funded for workers in NGO’s/Registered Charities (please mention in your registration).
This course equips adults who teach, care for, or support young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.
6-7 October: Mental Health First Aid Course, Christchurch
This course equips you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a person experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.
Please contact us should these dates be unsuitable.
- To view or download the brochure click here.
How to enrol
- Download and complete the Registration Form and email it to mhfa@stepstone.org.nz (note: your place is not secured until fees are paid).
- Fee: $395.00 (this includes the Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa course book / manual, as well as morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea on both days).
- Payment: Please pay by direct credit to bank account 03-1703-0038712-000 then write ‘MHFA’ in Reference and your name in Particulars.
- Subsidies: occasionally we receive grants to provide part payment for course fees. Currently, we can offer significantly reduced rates if you work or volunteer in a church setting or community ministry or if you are a 24/7 worker. We also have a small hardship fund. Please mention in your email if any of these may apply to you or call reception on 03 338 6390 to discuss.
Course Presenters – accredited course facilitators
Hover over the Facilitator photos below to find out more about them.
Jess Lawless - Registered Child and Family Psychologist, working at Child, Adolescent and Family Community Services (CAF) North. Jess has an extensive background in Community Mental Health in both residential and community settings with adults and youth. She is highly regarded in the health sector as a dynamic Facilitator, who creates an inclusive and engaging learning environment, and is able to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds, with a special interest in Youth health and wellbeing.
Jess Lawless
Registered Psychologist
Janelle Butcher - Registered Social Worker, supporting those on a recovery journey at Hillmorton Hospital. Janelle is an engaging Facilitator and experienced Tutor, specialising in empowering women to progress their learning journey. She also works at the Women's Centre and Ara Institute of Canterbury, tutoring adult students. Janelle has an extensive background spanning many years in Mental Health and has a special interest in Women's Health.
Janelle Butcher
Registered Social Worker
Catherine Hughes - Registered Social Worker & Service Manager for Crisis & Planned Respite, and Youth Residential Services at Stepping Stones Trust. Catherine has an extensive background in clinical social work practice and education and a doctorate focusing on Palliative Care Social Work. Catherine has been nominated for numerous teaching & leadership awards and brings a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience to her teaching of MHFA.
Catherine Hughes
Registered Social Worker & Service Manager for Crisis & Planned Respite, and Youth Residential Services
Alley West - worked as a case manager supporting young people and their whānau. She is currently the Clinical Team Leader at Stepping Stone Trust’s Youth Residential and Respite Service, where she oversees clinical practice and service delivery. Alley is also an accomplished facilitator, delivering mental health education programs including Youth Mental Health First Aid, and has contributed her expertise to youth development through facilitating learning with the Youth Programme at Hato Hone St John. She is passionate about training first aiders in this important area of wellbeing, believing that mental health knowledge is vital for building stronger, more supportive communities.
Alley West
Registered Mental Health Social Worker
Christina Stringer – Team Leader at Stepping Stone Trust. Christina has been working at the Trust for over a decade, and has worked with a wide range of people. She is a trained teacher with an interest in helping people learn skills to better their mental health. Currently, she facilitates group psychoeducation for people experiencing significant emotional distress as well as overseeing the Trust’s health coaches.