Wangaratta Businesses Benefit from Mental Health First Aid Training
Published on 16 May 2025
The Grit & Resilience Program, in collaboration with Project 365, celebrates the success of the Mental Health First Aid Scholarship Program, which has empowered 27 individuals with specialised mental health training. This initiative aims to bolster community support across Wangaratta, fostering resilience and well-being.
Participants came from a range of sectors such as hospitality, retail, health, tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. Ensuring workplaces across the region are better equipped to address mental health challenges.
Through this initiative, business owners and staff completed training facilitated by St John VIC, this included:
- Mental Health First Aid
- Recognise and Respond to Crisis Situations
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Essentials
As a result, 974 community members now benefit from enhanced mental health support in their workplaces, thanks to trained personnel capable of recognising and responding to mental health issues.
“I have recently experienced staff going through mental health crisis and dealt with it the best I could. Knowing what I do now I've made further steps to support that person. So empowering!” Participant feedback via post program survey
“We know how important mental health is in the workplace, and this program has provided local businesses with the tools they need to create safe, supportive environments,” said Pete Rourke from Project 365. “Project 365 is excited about expanding the Mental Health First Aid scholarship program to support more small and medium businesses. Our vision is to make Wangaratta the healthiest place to work and live when it comes to mental health. The impact goes beyond just the workplace—this training can be used anywhere, anytime, helping individuals support their families, friends, and communities."
The Grit and Resilience Program extends its gratitude to Project 365, St John VIC, and all participating businesses for their commitment to mental health and wellbeing awareness and support.
“The G&R program has supported mental health training of almost 1,000 people. We look forward to Project 365 and their partners continuing the program in its next stage” Bek Nash Webster
For more information on future training opportunities, please contact: (03) 5722 0888
gritandresilience@wangaratta.vic.gov.au