Evidence Supporting Mental Health First Aid
Useful resources
and links to assist You
This section brings together a range of materials designed to deepen understanding of Mental Health First Aid and support its practical application. Here, you will find evidence-based research, international guidelines, and resources informed by both professional expertise and lived experience. Whether you’re a course participant, workplace lead, or simply seeking to learn more, these resources aim to enhance your knowledge and strengthen your confidence in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Mental Health First Aid – the evidence base
Since it began in 2000, Mental Health First Aid International has been committed to evaluating its training programmes using rigorous, scientific studies. Mental Health First Aid training courses have been independently and academically peer-reviewed through studies in Australia and internationally.
In 2020, Dr. Janine O’Gorman carried out a study evaluating post training experience and helping behaviour of participants trained in Ireland.
Her research can be accessed here
To learn more about MHFA programme evaluations, international reviews and additional MHFA research that has been carried out to date, please click the following link: Mental Health First Aid International
Mental Health First Aid – informed by lived experience
The wisdom and experience of people with lived experience of mental health problems is central to the work at Mental Health First Aid. The Mental Health First Aid curricula are informed by a series of guidelines developed through the Delphi Consensus Method. This involves the formation of an expert panel on what constitutes best practice in mental health first aid. Expert consensus panels include people with lived experience of mental illness, their caregivers, and mental health professionals.
To access MHFA Guidelines, please click the following link: Mental Health First Aid International
To learn more about the expert panels, the Delphi Consensus Method and research informing the development of the MHFA Guideline, please click the following link: Mental Health First Aid International
