Mental health training for First Nations music workers is now available via Support Act

Support Act has announced its First Nations Mental Health First Aid training program.

The new initiative is for First Nations musicians, managers, crew and music workers, and non-Indigenous people working with them, according to the music charity.

Held in conjunction with Makeshift, the new and nationally accredited training for individuals and teams teaches people how to recognise and respond to mental health issues.

The free, online workshops will be held on April 13 and May 11 during work hours, and will be hosted by mental health advocate and former professional sportsman, Deon Bird.

Support Act has also announced its next Yarning Strong mental health webinar for First Nations people working in music. It will feature iconic singer-songwriter Uncle Archie Roach as a panellist, alongside life coach and wellbeing facilitator, Yolanda Finette, and host Mitch Tambo.

Pictured: Mitch Tambo joined Support Act as cultural and inclusion ambassador in November

Held on April 28, Yarning Strong – Finding Your Identity In Music will touch on the challenges of navigating the industry while also dealing with the impacts of the stolen generation, and how First Nations people can overcome these struggles from a mental health perspective.

Support Act’s community engagement and social worker, Cerisa Grant, said maintaining positive mental health is more important than ever after a rough two years.

“We are so thrilled to have such great programs and events coming up this year to support our First Nations music community,” Grant added.

For further information and to register for both events, visit the Support Act website.