Augusta Margaret River Times – 28 March 2025

Warren Hatley

Residents have a chance to learn key mental health first aid at an upcoming workshop run by Mindful Margaret River. The April 1 seminar starts at 10am at Nala Mia Bardip, and is an opportunity to learn ways to help friends, acquaintances and co-workers experiencing distress.

Mindful Margaret River chief executive Erin Statz said the workshop had limited places available and was targeted at community groups and their volunteers.

“The first time someone opens up about their distress and who they tell is critical,” she said. “If it’s not a great experience, they may not ask for help again. If they feel seen and heard, it is a first step towards better mental health.”

The three-hour workshop is designed to help participants identify the signs someone is struggling, and what to do about it. The workshop will focus on skills for safe and caring conversations, including what to do when suicidal ideation is present and when the listener feels “out of their depth.”

The workshop has been funded by Lotterywest and organised by Arts Margaret River.

Attendees are asked to pay what they can, starting at $5, and to register at artsmargaretriver.com