Queenstown Mental Health First Aid Training by The Therapy Project
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training programme that teaches people how to recognize early signs of mental distress and offer practical support. In New Zealand, about one in five adults will experience a mental health challenge each year. MHFA Aotearoa (New Zealand’s version of the course) gives participants the skills, knowledge, and confidence to act when someone is struggling. The course covers common issues like anxiety, depression, substance misuse and crisis situations, and it teaches a simple five-step action plan called ALGEE. (ALGEE stands for Approach & assess risk; Listen non-judgmentally; Give support & information; Encourage professional help; Encourage other supports.) This structured plan helps first-aiders calmly step in and offer immediate help. Importantly, MHFA Aotearoa is a Te Pou–accredited programme - nationally licensed and adapted for Aotearoa - so the training is internationally respected and culturally relevant.
Why Queenstown Needs MHFA Training
Queenstown Lakes District has unique mental health challenges. A 2021 report found local services were “pushed to their limits” after Covid-related downturns in tourism, with residents reporting a “huge” toll on community wellbeing. Under these stresses, many people are at risk of anxiety, depression or substance use issues, yet help is often reactive and hard to access. Mental Health First Aid training offers a preventative, community-based solution. By teaching people how to notice warning signs and start supportive conversations early, MHFA training helps workplaces and communities intervene before problems escalate. In practical terms, this means that workplaces, schools, and local groups in Queenstown have more members equipped to support colleagues, whānau and friends in distress. In short, building a network of MHFA-trained New Zealanders strengthens everyone’s resilience and takes pressure off our under-resourced services.
The Therapy Project’s MHFA Course in Queenstown
The Therapy Project (a local counselling and wellbeing organisation) is offering an accredited MHFA workshop in Queenstown. The next course is Dec 4–5, 2025 (two full days, 9am–4pm) at The Salvation Army Hall in Frankton (Queenstown). A follow-up session will run at the end of January 2026 at the same venue. This in-person course is designed for adult learners – particularly HR reps, managers, team leaders or anyone committed to staff and community wellbeing. Over two interactive days, participants learn practical skills to help colleagues or community members in need. For example, attendees will:
Recognise and Respond: Learn to spot signs of anxiety, depression or crisis in others and offer kind, practical support.
Use the ALGEE Action Plan: Apply a five-step MHFA strategy to approach someone in distress, listen non-judgmentally, give support, encourage professional help, and ensure safety.
Reduce Stigma: Increase mental health literacy so that talking about emotional struggles becomes safe and normal at work and in the community.
NZ-Adapted & Accredited: Experience an evidence-based MHFA program tailored for Aotearoa, with Te Pou national accreditation – participants earn a three-year MHFA certificate recognized across New Zealand.
Guidance from Experts: Learn in small groups led by two highly qualified facilitators, ensuring plenty of practice with real-world scenarios.
All training materials (manuals, case studies, resources) are provided. The interactive format blends group discussions, videos and practical exercises so every attendee can apply MHFA skills immediately. By the end of the course, each person will have a practical toolkit and NZQA-recognised MHFA qualification (valid for three years) to use back in their workplace or community.
Meet the Facilitators
The course is delivered by local MHFA experts Lynne Wright and Karyn Munro. Lynne Wright is the Intake Coordinator at The Therapy Project and an emerging MHFA instructor with frontline experience in client support. Karyn Munro is a certified MHFA trainer and adult education specialist known for turning evidence-based theory into practical tools. Together they lead supportive, inclusive sessions where participants can ask questions, practice conversations, and learn from each other. (Pictured above: Lynne Wright facilitating a training session.) Both are accredited by Te Pou and bring a people-first approach, aiming to make everyone feel confident in using MHFA in their own lives and teams.
Benefits for Your Team
Investing in MHFA training delivers real benefits for organizations. Research and experience show that MHFA-trained teams have fewer sick days, higher productivity, and stronger morale. For example, staff who feel supported tend to stay longer (one study notes about 42% higher retention in caring workplaces) and come to work ready to contribute. Early support also reduces “presenteeism” (coming to work unwell and unfocused) so overall output improves. Investing in mental health skills can even pay for itself – evidence suggests that every dollar spent on workplace mental wellbeing returns about $4.20 in benefits. Equally important, graduates of MHFA courses say they feel much more prepared and confident to have crucial conversations about mental health. By building a culture where talking about distress is normal, organizations in Queenstown can create safer, more resilient teams and a better community-wide support network.
How to Register
The Therapy Project’s MHFA workshops have limited spaces (usually up to ~20 participants). To register or learn more, visit The Therapy Project website or contact Lynne Wright directly (hello@thetherapyproject.co.nz). The cost per person is $455 (includes training manual and 3-year certification). By signing up, your team will gain valuable mental health first aid skills and contribute to a healthier, more supportive Queenstown community.