Mental Health First Aid & Psychosocial Support Practitioner

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Mental Health First Aid & Psychosocial Support Practitioner

Pre-conference Workshop

Mental Health First Aid & Psychosocial Support is a practical, field-focused programme for educators, instructors, leaders and practitioners who may encounter emotional distress, acute psychological trauma or mental-health concerns.

The workshop develops the skills to recognise changes in emotional and psychological wellbeing, provide appropriate immediate support, respond to acute psychological stress and trauma, and identify when further assessment, professional support or evacuation is required.

Date: 22-23 April, 2027
Venue: British School Jakarta (BSJ)
Price: $750USD + 5% Registration Fee

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Why Attend This Two-day Workshop?

Particular emphasis is placed on the realities of outdoor and expedition environments, where normal support systems may be unavailable, privacy may be limited, incidents may affect groups as well as individuals, and practitioners may need to provide support while simultaneously managing safety, medical and operational priorities.

The programme does not train participants to diagnose or treat mental illness. Instead, it equips them to provide appropriate first-line support, maintain psychological safety, and facilitate access to appropriate ongoing care.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Differentiate between emotional distress, acute psychological trauma and mental-health concerns, and recognise that these may require different approaches to support.
  • Recognise common signs and behaviours associated with emotional distress, acute stress reactions, psychological trauma and mental-health difficulties.
  • Apply a structured approach to providing immediate emotional and psychological support following distressing events, incidents or experiences.
  • Use appropriate communication and interpersonal techniques to establish psychological safety, build rapport and support a person in distress.
  • Identify situations requiring escalation, additional support, professional assessment or urgent evacuation.
  • Respond appropriately to psychological distress within the constraints of outdoor, expedition and remote environments.
  • Support groups and teams following incidents or challenging experiences, while recognising individual differences in response.
  • Recognise the boundaries of the first aider’s role, including when supportive intervention should give way to referral to appropriately qualified mental-health professionals.
  • Consider the psychological needs of the practitioner and team, including the effects of exposure to distressing or traumatic events.

Who Is This For?

  • Beginner Outdoor Educators

  • Experienced Outdoor Educators

  • School Teachers

  • Youth Leaders

  • Counselors

  • Anyone working with youth

Facilitator

Damien Santer

Damien Santer

Director, AEMED

Damien is the Curriculum Director at Austere & Emergency Medicine International (AEMED), overseeing the development of educational programs across domains including medicine, paramedicine, first aid, disaster management, and the social sciences. With over 20 years of experience, Damien is a seasoned expert in wilderness and austere medicine, disaster management, and leadership. He has contributed significantly to the creation of most of AEMED’s current courses and is dedicated to ensuring that the education provided is culturally relevant and economically accessible worldwide.

Damien holds a Diploma in Paramedical Science and is a Critical Care Austere Medic. He holds a professional certificate in Public Safety and was a NSW State Rescue Board Accredited Operator. Damien also holds also a Certified IV in Assessment & Workplace Training, reflecting his commitment to quality education and training.

In addition to his medical and rescue qualifications, Damien has extensive outdoor experience, including hiking, camping, abseiling, climbing, canyoning, caving, canoeing, kayaking, and white water rafting. He is also an experienced powerboat operator. Damien’s outdoor skills complement his expertise in austere and wilderness medicine, making him a well-rounded professional in emergency and remote environments.

Damien has a strong commitment to volunteer work, having served with the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, the NSW State Emergency Service, The Scout Association (UK), and 4×4 Relief Malaysia. His volunteer experience has given him valuable hands-on experience in emergency response and community service, further enhancing his capabilities as an educator and consultant in emergency and disaster preparedness.