Quick answer
Running a mental health first aid program at work means more than booking a course. You need trained responders across your sites, a clear policy on what they do (and don’t do), supported referral pathways, and a way to keep skills current. Accredited training — PUARCV001 Provide psychological first aid — gives you defensible evidence for your psychosocial-hazard duties.
1. Decide how many responders you need
There’s no single legal ratio. A common starting point is at least one trained responder per team, shift, or site, with more in higher-risk or larger workplaces. Map your locations and shifts so there’s always someone available.
2. Choose the right people
Pick people who are approachable, trusted, and willing — often supervisors, HR, safety reps, or peer leaders. The role is voluntary supportive help, not counselling, so willingness matters more than seniority.
3. Train them with accredited PFA
Use nationally recognised training so your records stand up to audit. FMS delivers PUARCV001 online and self-paced, or 1-day on-site so a whole team can train together.
4. Set a clear policy and referral pathways
Document what responders do, the limits of the role, confidentiality, and exactly where to refer — GP, your EAP, Lifeline (13 11 14), and 000 in emergencies. Make the pathway easy to follow under pressure.
5. Support your responders
Give them debrief options, access to your EAP, and permission to step back. Supporting others has a cost, and looking after responders keeps the program sustainable.
6. Keep it current and measure it
Schedule refreshers every 2–3 years, track who’s trained, and review how the program is used. This evidences a maintained control, not a one-off tick-box.
Where this fits with your WHS duties
Since 2022, the model WHS Regulations include duties to manage psychosocial hazards, backed by Safe Work Australia’s Code of Practice (adopted by states at different times — check your regulator). A trained-responder program is one visible control that supports those duties.
Frequently asked questions
How many mental health first aiders do we need?
There’s no fixed legal ratio. Aim for coverage across every team, shift, and site, scaled up for size and risk.
Do responders give counselling?
No. They provide immediate, supportive help and connect people to professional care. Counselling and treatment are for qualified professionals.
Should the training be accredited?
Accredited training (PUARCV001) gives stronger, auditable evidence than a non-accredited certificate — useful when demonstrating your psychosocial-hazard controls.
Set your team up properly
FMS Training (RTO 45189) delivers PUARCV001 Provide psychological first aid online and self-paced, or 1-day on-site at workplaces across Australia. Explore the course →
Last updated June 2026 · FMS Training, RTO 45189