Frequently Asked Questions

No, participants need to sign up for the full program. This is because: 

• Whilst some of you may have completed MHFA® previously, a) it is an MHFA® requirement to re-new your accreditation every 3 years, and b) the module you completed may differ to the MHFA® for workplaces module (what is offered via CoU in NZ). 
• The people leaders pilot program is both a training and research program, and in order for us to measure the research activities, participants must have completed the full program. 
• The booster session is a continuation of what was learnt in both the supportive leadership training (SLT) and MHFA® sessions. 

Counting on U’s people leaders pilot is a research program that has received funding from Deakin Business School. As such, one of the conditions for funding is for us to understand the program’s effectiveness before it can be offered to a wider participant cohort.

You will be asked to complete two short surveys – one following the SLT module (<5mins), and a second survey following the Booster session (<10mins). NB: you may be invited to provide separate feedback to MHFA® New Zealand on the MHFA® modules; this is not part of Deakin’s research surveys)

CoU is a training and research program. Whilst the research component is not compulsory, it is [a small time sacrifice in exchange for receiving a free and accredited training program that will cost future participants a minimum of NZD $650 + GST or more.

You can email [email protected] to find out how many surveys you have completed. 

The Counting on U sessions are not optional. You must attend all your scheduled sessions to fulfill the requirements of the program and receive CPD points as a member of CA ANZ. 

Unfortunately, no. CoU is both a training and research program, and in order for us to measure the research activities, participants must have completed the full program. If you would like to complete the stand-alone MHFA® course, please head to www.mhfa.com.au, where you will be able to book and pay for MHFA® training sessions. 

There are no exams. As part of receiving MHFA® accreditation, you will be asked to answer a few online quizzes as part of completing the MHFA® elearning module. After completing the elearning as well as the two MHFA® Zoom workshops, you can complete an online Accreditation Assessment to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider. 

If you are a member of CA ANZ you will receive a maximum of 14 CPD points to count towards your structured learning professional development requirements. 

CPD points are a self-managed/recorded process – per the usual methods when practitioners record their CPD hours. 

You will receive notification from MHFA® to download a digital copy of your MHFA® accreditation certificate. You can also download a digital badge which can be used on LinkedIn. 

Yes – the online eLearning component takes approximately 5 hours and must be completed prior to starting the first of two Instructor-led sessions. Please factor this time in when you are scheduling your sessions. 

Please set enough time aside to complete your 5 hours of e-learning before you attend your first MHFA® Zoom workshop. We understand that from time-to-time urgent matters come up and you may not have been able to complete the e-learning prior to the first instructor-led MHFA® Zoom session. Deakin pays for each session in advance, at no cost to participants, and would like avoid last-minute cancellations which could impact viability of running sessions and reduces the learning experience for those attending if there’s too few participants. 

If you are unable to finish your eLearning prior to the workshop, please contact Humanex ([email protected]) to reschedule your MHFA® workshops at a later date – but note that this is based on availability of alternate sessions and may have a consequence on your subsequent session dates. 

Hard copy manuals are organised and shipped to participants’ mailing address by our training vendor, Humanex. They will  be sent out during the week of 11th September. Please allow approximately 3-5 days’ shipping time. 

If your computer doesn’t have a microphone or camera, you can still attend via your computer but use the camera on your smart phone or tablet at the same time (i.e. access the Zoom link via two devices).

We suggest you test your computer’s audio/video settings prior to your first Zoom session. If you have internet connection issues, please let the trainer know ahead of time as we understand that this can affect your ability to keep your web-cam on throughout the whole course. We can suggest alternative methods, including:

• having your computer on to see the Zoom trainer’s screen whilst also logging in via your phone, so that the trainer can see and hear you and ensure our duty of care
• hot-spotting Wifi from your mobile phone.

It’s important to recognise that mental health can be affected in multiple ways. While there is stress relating to our work environments that need to be managed, we must also remember to monitor the stresses in our personal life as well. 

Getting help as early as possible is important if you’re worried about your own mental health. The sooner you get help and treatment, the quicker you’ll start to recover. 

The first step is to visit your General Practitioner who will conduct an initial mental health assessment. Your doctor may then create a treatment plan to help you work out what services you need, set goals and decide on the best treatment options for you. 

You can also call the following numbers to speak to a trained professional who can support you until you’re able to make an appointment with your GP: 

 NEW ZEALAND 

• Free call or text 1737 for support from a trained counsellor 
• Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or free text 4357 (HELP) 

If you have any complaints about any aspect of the program, the way it is being conducted or any questions about your rights as a research participant, then you may contact: 

Deakin Counting on U Program Team: [email protected] 

OR 

The Human Research Ethics Office, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Victoria 3125, Telephone: 03 9251 7129, Email: [email protected]. Please quote project number [2020-399].