PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID WORKSHOP

Psychological First Aid Workshop

One-Day Active Participation In-person Experience

No prior experience or mental health knowledge required — just a willingness to learn and engage.

REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP EARLY, LIMITED SEATING IS AVAILABLE

BEST BEFORE NOVEMBER 25TH

Date: November 28, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Venue: The Old Edwardian, Virgin Active Conference center

4th Street &, 11 9th Ave Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2091

The GPS coordinates for Virgin Active Gym Old Eds are: Latitude: -26.157604 Longitude: 28.063422

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-based approach for providing immediate emotional support to individuals affected by trauma, crisis, or distress. It recognizes that emotional injuries are real—impacting our brain, body, and behavior just as deeply as physical wounds. PFA helps people feel safe, calm, and connected while promoting hope and resilience. Designed to reduce initial stress and prevent long-term psychological harm, it’s a powerful tool that anyone can learn and apply—making it essential for communities, caregivers, and professionals alike.

This is a must workshop for all SACE members, social workers and community leaders addressing challenging communities.

Prior Learning Credit and Certification available on request.

Why Attend

In moments of crisis, your response can shape the path to healing for someone. This immersive workshop empowers you to respond with empathy, clarity, and composure when it matters most. Whether you're a mental health professional or simply someone who wants to help, you'll gain practical tools to offer psychological support during times of intense emotional distress.

"Attention will be directed toward communities confronting severe violence, individuals grieving or coping with suicide, and those supporting people through heartbreak and emotional loss."

Core Benefits of a Psychological First Aid Workshop

• Confidence to respond in emergencies Learn how to approach people in distress without fear of saying the wrong thing. PFA training gives you a clear action plan to follow when someone is overwhelmed, grieving, or traumatized

• Skills to reduce immediate distress You'll be trained to help others feel safe, connected, and supported in the aftermath of a crisis—whether it's a natural disaster, accident, or personal trauma

• Tools to connect people with further help PFA teaches you how to recognize when someone needs more than just immediate support and how to guide them toward professional resources without overstepping your role

• Improved listening and communication You'll develop active listening skills and learn how to offer comfort without judgment, advice-giving, or pressure—just presence and empathy

• Applicable across roles and settings Whether you're a teacher, parent, community leader, healthcare worker, or friend, these skills are universally useful in both personal and professional contexts.

• Support for your own mental well-being Many workshops also emphasize self-care, helping you understand your own stress responses and avoid burnout while supporting others

Ideal Participants for a Psychological First Aid Workshop

• Parents and family members PFA can help loved ones support each other during difficult times, such as bereavement, illness, or family crises.

• Volunteers and caregivers Anyone offering support in community or faith-based settings—whether formally trained or not—can benefit from learning how to respond to emotional distress with compassion and clarity

• Corporate HR and wellness teams In workplace settings, HR professionals and wellness coordinators can use PFA to support employees dealing with stress, loss, or burnout

• Social workers and community leaders Those working in shelters, outreach programs, or advocacy roles can use PFA to build trust and offer practical help during emotional upheaval

• Emergency responders and disaster relief workers Firefighters, police officers, and humanitarian aid workers are frequently on the front lines of crises. PFA helps them respond with empathy and stabilize those affected

• Educators and school staff Teachers, counselors, and administrators can use PFA to support students facing grief, bullying, family issues, or traumatic events. Ideally, every school should have a minimum of three individuals trained in Psychological First Aid. To ensure a safe and responsive educational environment, it is strongly recommended that every school maintain a minimum of three staff members trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA). This foundational capacity enables schools to provide immediate emotional support during crises, foster resilience among students and staff, and uphold their duty of care in times of distress."

• Healthcare professionals Doctors, nurses, paramedics, and mental health workers often encounter trauma and crisis. PFA equips them to offer immediate emotional support alongside medical care. These are critical skills for newcomers entering the field of psychology and clinical practice.

Presenters:

• Kirvan Goliath

Professional certified Coach/Train the Learner

Training and Development specialist

Team building

Social and Community Development

• Prof. A. Smith

Harvard Medical School, Trained

Trauma and Recovery Specialist

Anger Management

Conflict De-escalation Specialist