The five actions: ALGEE
Before providing MHFA to young people, a Youth MHFAider needs some basic knowledge about mental health so that they can recognise poor mental health while it is still developing. Having an action plan helps to support a person more effectively. In a physical first aid course, participants learn an action plan and acronym for the best way to help someone who is injured or unwell. Similarly, the Youth MHFAider follows an action plan to support a young person with signs of developing poor mental health or in a mental health crisis. The Youth MHFA action plan teaches people how to spot the early signs of poor mental health and crises, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to encourage a person to seek appropriate professional treatment and other sources of support. MHFA is the help given to someone experiencing poor mental health before professional help is obtained. The action plan’s acronym is ALGEE and consists of: – A pproach the young person, assess and assist with any crisis – L isten and communicate non-judgementally – G ive support and information – E ncourage the young person to get appropriate professional help – E ncourage other supports A physical first aider will not always need to use all actions depending on the condition of the injured person. Likewise, Youth MHFAiders need to make good judgement about the order and the relevance of these actions – remaining flexible and responsive to the individual and the situation. It is common that when supporting a young person the Youth MHFAider will move between the ‘listening and communicating non-judgementally’ and ‘giving support and information’ stages.
Page 98
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker