Representatives from community organisations across the ward came together to participate in a Mental Health First Aid Course and a Level one First Aid Course delivered by Hato Hone St John.

The level one first aid course was a one-day training for participants to learn the basics of first aid. Level one first aid is essential for community organisations to operate safely. It was recognised that several community organisations in the ward were looking for support to get their volunteers trained in first aid.

The mental health first aid course was a day-long training provided to assist those working in the community at the grass roots level to understand and cope with situations they find themselves in, dealing with people impacted by mental health pressures. Some of the participant feedback included:

"Gives me confidence to deal with someone having or potentially having mental health issues, where in the past I would have run away from the situation."

"This course changed my way of thinking about mental health – wellness and illness. It has given me some fantastic tools in my kete to continue to support my community and to keep myself safe and well."