MH101® for the Deaf Community

Each MH101® for the Deaf Community workshop has two facilitators, one Deaf and one hearing. Both bring their own different perspectives on mental health: one with their own life experience of mental health challenges, and the other a registered mental health professional. They have real knowledge of what strategies and tools work, and (just as importantly) what doesn’t.

Both facilitators are supported by two NZSL interpreters.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and work to ensure our workshops have something for everyone’s learning needs.

MH101® for the Deaf Community has been co-designed with Platform Trust, the Deaf community and hearing allies to meet the needs of Deaf learners. We have adapted the workshop content and added QR codes to the participant workbook that link to videos where key ideas are explained using NZSL. A demonstration of the NZSL signs used to describe mental distress and mental health challenges is also part of the workshop content.

All Blueprint workshops use best-practice adult learning techniques including activities, videos and teaching tools to create an engaging, interesting workshop, with a comfortable welcoming atmosphere. Participants will also receive extra resources such as additional reading, and a directory for support and assistance.

MH101® for the Deaf Community will give you an understanding of some of the major mental health challenges in our communities, the experience of mental distress, and the impacts of stress and trauma, with content adapted for the Deaf community.

You’ll learn about what to do, and when, to support people around you experiencing mental health challenges.

All our workshops follow the Te Whare Tapa Whā model, which means we take an in-depth, holistic approach to understanding mental health and wellbeing.

• Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental distress.
• Get an overview of some major mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance use disorder.
• Learn strategies and get tools for maintaining your mental health, and the mental health and wellbeing of others.
• Understand how your reactions can impact on other people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
• Learn how to use supportive language, perspective, and build connection.
• Learn how to respond wisely in any given situation, including the risk of suicide or self-harm.
• Understand where, when and how to get personal and professional help.

After the workshop, you’ll get help to apply your newfound knowledge and develop an even better understanding of what you’ve learnt with access to an interactive MH101® e-learning module that can be completed at your own pace.

Note: MH101® for the Deaf Community is aimed at non-clinical participants. This is not a clinical workforce training course.

MH101® for the Deaf Community workshops are FREE to attend, funded by the Te Whatu Ora.

See our FAQs for more information about who’s eligible for these free workshops (hint: it’s mostly everyone, except clinical health professionals).

Register now to book your place