Southern New England Landcare, in partnership with Highway to Well, recently delivered three successful Mental Health First Aid workshops in Guyra, Walcha, and Uralla.
A total of 40 attendees participated across these sessions, reflecting the strong interest and commitment within the community to improving mental health support in rural areas.
The workshops were designed to equip participants with the skills and confidence to recognize the signs of mental health issues, provide initial support, and guide individuals toward professional help.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with participants highlighting the value of the training, the quality of the presenter, and the importance of normalizing mental health conversations.
Below are some quotes from attendees:
“The workshop was fantastic. Don’t avoid the issue, ask the question."
"It was an eye-opener. Talk to people, check on people, show care, compassion, support, and help where you can."
"The importance of asking the initial questions, even if it’s uncomfortable, and following up with patience is vital."
"Fantastic presenter. It has given me the confidence to act and speak up."
"We need more workshops like Mental Health First Aid. It should be as normal as a regular first aid course."
"How wonderful it was to access this course and presenter locally."
"The workshop was great—challenging but great. It was very well organized, and the setup was amazing."
"Be present when someone is talking about their situation."
The workshops provided attendees with not only practical skills but also the confidence to approach mental health challenges within their families, workplaces, and communities.
Participants emphasized how important it is to normalize mental health conversations and integrate them into everyday life.
The success of these workshops demonstrates the ongoing need for mental health education in rural communities.
Southern New England Landcare will continue to explore opportunities to deliver more workshops and resources, ensuring that mental health support is readily available and accessible.
This project is made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government and the Primary Health Network.
