Population Mental Health

Unit Head
Professor Nicola Reavley
nreavley@unimelb.edu.au

+61 3 9035 7628

Research Overview

The aims of the Population Mental Health Group are to:

Conduct research on what actions members of the community can take to prevent and intervene early with mental disorders
Translate the findings from this research into practical interventions that empower the whole community to take action, and
Train researchers in this area

The Population Mental Health Group has a close link with Mental Health First Aid Australia, a not-for-profit agency translating research findings into practical action. Together with Betty Kitchener (an educator), Professor Anthony Jorm was responsible for developing the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course, which equips the public to assist a person developing a mental health problem, experiencing the worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis (e.g., they are suicidal). In 2011, Anthony and Betty set up the not-for-profit organisation Mental Health First Aid International to disseminate MHFA training. Anthony is on the Board of Directors and former Chair of the Board of this organisation.