Why MHFA Training Is Critical for the NDIS Workforce

As a counsellor working closely with NDIS participants and their support teams, I have seen firsthand the life-changing impact of quality care. I’ve also witnessed one of the scheme’s growing concerns: an increasingly unskilled workforce supporting people with highly complex needs.

While many support workers are compassionate and well-meaning, too many are entering the disability sector with little to no formal training—particularly in the area of mental health. This gap in skills is not just a professional issue; it's a safety risk.

The Problem: Untrained Workers, Complex Needs

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) has expanded rapidly since its launch, and so has the demand for frontline support staff. Unfortunately, in many cases, workers are recruited with only the bare minimum of checks—often without any training in how to recognize or manage mental health concerns.

This is deeply concerning, as a significant number of NDIS participants live with dual diagnoses or co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or suicidal ideation. These are not rare or secondary concerns—they are part of the daily reality for many people receiving NDIS support.

Support workers are often the first to notice signs of distress. But without the right knowledge or tools, they may not know how to respond. Worse, their actions—though well-intentioned—could unintentionally escalate a situation.

The Solution: Mental Health First Aid for All Support Workers

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training offers a powerful solution. Just as physical first aid teaches us to respond to injuries and emergencies, MHFA equips workers to:

• Recognize early signs of mental health challenges
• Respond with empathy and de-escalation techniques
• Support someone in a mental health crisis until professional help is available

For NDIS support workers, this training can be the difference between a positive intervention and a crisis. It not only empowers them to help participants more effectively but also protects their own wellbeing by providing tools to manage emotionally challenging situations.

Why It Should Be Mandatory

Making MHFA training a standard requirement for all NDIS support workers would:

• Enhance the quality and safety of support delivered
• Reduce the emotional toll on workers
• Build trust and rapport between participants and staff
• Reduce incidents of harm or service withdrawal due to mishandled interactions

Participants deserve support workers who are not just physically present, but mentally equipped to help them navigate complex challenges with dignity and care.

Conclusion: Caring Starts With Understanding

If we are serious about creating a disability support system that is person-centred, trauma-informed, and safe, then we must equip our workforce accordingly. Mental Health First Aid training should not be considered optional—it should be foundational.

It’s time for the NDIS to invest not just in the quantity of workers, but in their capability. Because in this sector, knowing how to care starts with understanding what someone is going through—and that understanding begins with training.

Take the Next Step Toward a Safer, More Skilled Workforce

The need is clear—NDIS participants deserve support workers who are equipped not just with compassion, but with the right tools to respond to mental health challenges confidently.

At Evolve Now, we deliver nationally accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training tailored specifically for NDIS and disability support providers. Whether you’re managing a team or working directly with participants, this training is a practical step toward safer, more effective care.

Explore our MHFA training programs today and empower your team to make a lasting difference.
Because understanding mental health isn’t optional—it’s essential.