B-MAD Framework
Mental Health First Aid
Equipping communities to respond with care.
AYC delivers Mental Health First Aid training to African community members, families, and young people — building the skills and confidence to recognise, respond to, and support those experiencing mental health challenges.
About the Program
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training program that teaches people how to identify the signs of mental health problems, provide initial support, and guide someone towards professional help. Just as physical first aid equips people to respond to a medical emergency, MHFA equips communities to respond to a mental health crisis.
At AYC, we deliver MHFA training that is culturally adapted for African communities — acknowledging the unique experiences, stigmas, and barriers that African young people and families face when it comes to mental health. Our approach is grounded in community trust, lived experience, and cultural safety.
By training community members as Mental Health First Aiders, we build a network of informed, compassionate people who can support their peers, family members, and neighbours — reducing stigma and improving outcomes for African youth in Melbourne.
Why MHFA Matters for African Communities
Mental health challenges are common, but help-seeking is often low in African communities due to stigma, cultural barriers, and lack of culturally safe services. MHFA training addresses this gap directly.
Reducing Stigma
Open conversations about mental health — led by trusted community members — break down the stigma that prevents young people from seeking help.
Early Intervention
Trained First Aiders can recognise early warning signs and act quickly — before a mental health challenge becomes a crisis.
Cultural Safety
Our training is delivered in a culturally informed way, acknowledging the specific experiences of African young people and families in Australia.
Community Capacity
Every person trained becomes a resource for their community — multiplying the reach of mental health support far beyond formal services.
Training Content
What You Learn
MHFA training gives participants practical, evidence-based skills to support someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems
- Approach someone you are concerned about in a safe and supportive way
- Provide initial support and have a helpful conversation
- Encourage the person to seek appropriate professional help
- Respond safely in a mental health crisis situation
- Understand the cultural factors that shape mental health experiences in African communities
- Know where to refer someone for further support in Melbourne
- Look after your own mental health while supporting others
World Suicide Prevention Day — 9KM Walk
Walk to prevent suicide. Walk for those we've lost.
Saturday, 20th September 2025
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Victoria University, Footscray Park Campus
70–104 Ballarat Road, Footscray VIC 3011
Scenic 9KM walk along the river with suicide prevention activities
Sign up — send
Led by Duom Benjamin, Suicide Prevention Leader
Walk for Change. Walk for Love. Walk for Life. — Every Step Counts.
Part of the B-MAD Framework
Mental Health First Aid is a core pillar of AYC's B-MAD prevention approach — Beyond Mental-health Alcohol and Drugs. By training community members to respond with knowledge and compassion, we build the protective networks that keep African young people safe, connected, and supported.
Learn more about B-MADMore Ways to Connect
Get Involved in MHFA Training
Whether you want to attend a training session, refer someone, or partner with AYC to deliver MHFA in your community — we would love to hear from you.