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     Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
     YAA Health Division's Mental Health Principle
     Why Mental Health?
     What is YAA Planning?
     Contact the YAA Health Division

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

In 2009/2010 YAA is proud to work with David Keegan who has a great deal of experience working with homeless and at risk young people as he presents a series of Mental Health First Aid trainings.

These trainings can be run anwyhere in NSW with a minimum of 15 people and are being offered at a reduced rate.

To find out more, or register visit the Mental Health First Aid page on our website.


YAA Health Division's Mental Health Principle

Homeless young people are more likely to be affected by mental health issues which can lead to self harm or suicide.

Why Mental Health?

A 2001 literature review by Gregory W. Kamieniecki published in the Australia and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry found that levels fo mental health were lower in homeless young people than those who were in stable accommodation or family settings.

The same study also stated that services that address mental health need to be youth friendly and accessible, which makes youth workers and other frontline staff a valuable tool in adressing these issues.

The links between poor sense of self, depression, hopelessness, self harm and suicidality are clear to many workers, as are issues such as anorexia nervosa and bullimia. For those workers in rural settings, working with indigienous, CALD or same sex attracted young people, these issues can stand out even more.

Working with mental health is supported by the NSW Youth Action Plan 2006-2016.

What is YAA Planning

YAA plans to adress the issue of mental health for frontline staff in a number of ways. Working with exisiting services to build effective refferal pathways, and keeping workers informed of information and resources they can use is an important first step.

During 2010 we will be putting together our Health Action Plan and identifying ways we can support the youth work sector on this issue.

The YAA Health Division is also planning a series of Mental Health First Aid Trainings, beginning in December.

Contact the YAA Health Divsion

For more information, suggestions or questions regarding YAA's involvement in Mental Health, please use the details below.

p: (02) 9698 5833 x3
e: brandon@yaa.com.au
f: (02) 9318 2058