The Psychological Services Group (PSG) has scheduled a series of programmes under the "Decoding MH" Campaign to raise Force members' understanding of mental health and emotional problems. The pioneer programme was the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Standard Course, which was attended by 29 officers from Inspector to Senior Superintendent on May 12 and 19.

The 12-hour MHFA course was given by Police Clinical Psychologists about some common mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and schizophrenia. It enhanced the participants' ability to detect early signs of mental illnesses and provide timely support to people in need. Those who have completed the training would be granted an internationally recognised certificate.

The participants who attended the first class in May responded that the course has increased their confidence in approaching people with mental illnesses or crises; identifying related symptoms and risk level; listening non-judgmentally; giving them information and support; and referring them to seek professional help if needed.

The PSG will run four classes of the MHFA course a year with a quota of 30 places each. If you are interested in the course, please keep an eye at the bulletins on Force NoticeBoard.