I'm one of 58 nationally accredited Mental Health First Aid Officers (MHFAOs), supporting UWA's Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework. We are appointed by UWA to assist students wanting someone to talk to about their mental health. MHFAOs are an informal, confidential peer support offering initial contacts, assistance & referrals. Importantly, MHFAOs are not a substitute for professional support services such as those offered by your GP, or trained psychologists.

In contrast to physical First Aid, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help offered to someone developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental illness, or a mental health crisis. MHFA is given until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves - possibly ranging from minutes to weeks.

I appreciate that you may feel uncomfortable approaching me because you know me through other roles so, if necessary, I strongly encourage you to contact UWA's student mental health services or other members of UWA's MHFAO network.