The Visual Media Association (VMA) has launched a national campaign to place mental health first aid experts inside businesses across the country with a focus on treating mental wellbeing with the same seriousness as physical health and safety.

As part of this goal, the inaugural cohort of The Inkers – Make Your Mark program has completed accredited Mental Health First Aid training, delivered online by Anchor Health and mental health advocate Steven Gamble. The training was funded by Anchor Health and made possible through the support of Platinum Sponsor Konica Minolta Australia.

The Mental Health First Aid course is internationally recognised and equips participants with practical skills to assist adults who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. The focus is not on diagnosis, but on support, early intervention and crisis response, until appropriate professional help is received or the issue resolves.

Participants in the training learned how to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems, how to offer initial assistance using a structured, evidence-based action plan, and how to guide individuals to professional support services. Topics included depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance use, self-injury, trauma, panic attacks, aggressive behaviours, and more.

Importantly, the course is grounded in consensus guidelines developed by both mental health professionals and people with lived experience of mental illness providing a balanced and inclusive approach to care.

The Inkers program supports emerging professionals under 35 from across the print, packaging, publishing, and visual media sectors, were nominated to represent their state or territory as part of a national effort to retain, support and connect early-career professionals. Their involvement in the training is part of the VMA’s commitment to developing not just technical talent, but leadership skills and emotional intelligence that will shape the future of the industry.

“Having mental health first aid and literacy is a core skill that all leaders need in their toolbox,” said Steven Gamble, Founder of Anchor Health. “It empowers leaders to build connection within their teams, and supports prevention, early intervention, and empathy across the organisation. That leads to stronger performance, better culture and long-term retention.”

Kellie Northwood, Chief Executive Officer of the Visual Media Association, said the initiative is a practical step forward for the industry.

“To develop the next generation of leaders, we need to equip them with more than technical skills,” she said. “We need to give them the tools to lead people. Mental health first aid is a critical part of that. We’re proud to offer this training and grateful for the funding from Anchor Health and the support of Konica Minolta as our Platinum Sponsor.”

Each participant is now certified as a Mental Health First Aider for three years under the globally recognised Mental Health First Aid Australia program.

Sign up to join The Inkers and be part of the next generation of industry leaders.

Or, for more information about Mental Health First Aid training for your team, or to learn how to support the VMA’s mental health and wellbeing initiatives, contact [email protected]