Learn practical skills and gain the confidence to recognise, approach and support someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.About this Event
Would you know what to say or do if someone told you they were struggling with their mental health?
Sometimes the hardest part isn't caring — it's knowing how to respond.
Join Alex Topalian and Vickie Atkinson for two days of Standard Mental Health First Aid training at the Clare Community Centre on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November.
This course provides practical, evidence-based skills to help you recognise when someone may be developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening mental health problem, or experiencing a mental health crisis.
You'll learn how to approach someone, start a conversation, listen and respond appropriately, provide initial support, and encourage the person to seek professional or other appropriate help.
Two facilitators. Two different perspectives.
One of the things we believe makes this course a little different is the experience Alex and Vickie bring into the room.
Alex Topalian – MHFA Instructor | Community Services & Support Worker Lens
Alex has worked in the community services sector since 2009 across disability, aged care, psychosocial support and community-based services. He is the Co-Founder of Malex Care Inc., holds qualifications in Counselling, Community Services, Youth Work, Individual Support. Alex is also a Trainer and Assessor, and brings lived experience as a former unpaid carer.
Alex approaches Mental Health First Aid from a very practical perspective - including what these conversations can actually look like for support workers and others working alongside people in the community.
Vickie Atkinson – MHFA Instructor | Registered Nurse | Educator | Paramedic Leadership
Vickie brings extensive experience as a Registered Nurse, educator and member of a paramedic leadership team. Her clinical and education background provides another valuable perspective on recognising and responding to mental health problems and crises.
Together, Alex and Vickie aim to create a relaxed, supportive learning environment where questions and discussion are encouraged and the course content can be connected to real-world situations.
Who should attend?
You don't need to be a mental health professional.
This course can be valuable for support workers, aged care and disability workers, health professionals, community service workers, managers and team leaders, carers, employers, volunteers and members of the wider community who want to feel more confident supporting someone experiencing a mental health problem.
Course Details
Friday 13 November 2026
Saturday 14 November 2026
9:00 am – 3:30 pm each day
Clare Community Centre
189 Main North Road, Clare SA 5453
$350 per person + Admin fees
Please note: This is a two-day course and participants must attend both days to complete the training.
Places are limited.
Event venue
Clare Community Centre, 189 Main North Rd, Clare, Australia
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.