THRIVE | Mental Health First Aid Online Course – November 2026
Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, or who is experiencing a mental health crisis. Like physical first aid, mental health first aid is given until the person receives professional help or until the crisis resolves.
Who should attend
Veterinarians, Nurses, Practice Managers, Students, New Graduates.
Learning outcomes
Note – Registration to this course is non-refundable and non-transferable, please ensure you are able to complete the e-learning component one week prior to the first workshop, and you are also available to attend BOTH workshops.
- Explore mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance misuse problems.
- Participants will learn practical, evidence-based communication techniques to reach out to those in need.
Further details
- Part A – E-learning module
This will take approximately 6-8 hours to complete. A link will be provided so that you may start your E-learning 3-weeks prior to the initial session, and is to be completed 1-week before the initial session.
Important: you must complete the e-learning component at least one week prior to the virtual workshops. You will not be allowed to attend the zoom sessions if this is not complete and you will forfeit your enrolment fee.
- Part B – Virtual workshop training
This component of the training has been tailor made for the veterinary profession and is facilitated by Andrew Thompson.
The training is strictly limited to 12 participants and will be delivered in two online sessions of 2.5 hours each session.
Workshop 1 – Wednesday 18 November: 11.00am to 1.30pm AEST; and
Workshop 2 – Wednesday 25 November: 11.00am to 1.30pm AEST.
You will need to bring any notes from your e-learning session and have your MHFA manual handy.
The cost to complete this course is *$395.00 incl GST.
*This price includes e-learning access, virtual workshop series, copy of the Mental Health First Aid manual (including Postage) and accreditation.
*Registration to this course is NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE so please ensure you are able to complete the e-learning component by the due date and are also available to attend BOTH workshops.
Testimonials
I found the course more relevant than I expected, and feel confident in being able to approach and aid someone that may need help. A great insight into mental health and breaking down the stigmas. Wonderful presenters. Thank youTamara, Orange Veterinary Hospital, NSW
A well put together course which is very relevant to anyone in a leadership role to help them observe and assist with any mental health concerns within the teamHelen Mooney, Broome Veterinary Hospital , WA
Our speakers
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- Name
- Mr Andrew Thompson
- Biography
Andrew started his Veterinary Nursing career in early 2003, spending time in GP, ECC, Bird and Exotics and even a Pet Funeral Company before joining the AIRC/CCG Team in early 2015. He has filled a number of positions at the VNCA on a divisional and national level between 2006 and 2012 and is a current committee member for the Australian Rainbow Vets and Allies.
As well as a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Andrew holds a Diploma of Counselling and is currently working through a Bachelor of Counselling. Andrew completed Mental Health First Aid Instructor Accreditation in December of 2020 after first becoming an Accredited Mental Health First Aider in August 2016. He is a member of the Australian Counselling Association and volunteers and works on a national telephone and chat hotline which he has done since 2013. Andrew regularly writes articles and presents on self-care, mindfulness, goal setting and other similar wellness topics for the veterinary industry as part of his consultant role at Crampton Consulting Group.
Andrew shares his home with his partner, Maple the chihuahua, Belladonna the cat and a bird called Turtle.
Andrew’s top self-care activities are roller skating and yoga, but obviously not at the same time.
Our sponsors
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