The right words, before the wrong reaction.

Each module helps you write stories that guide behaviour, reduce confusion, and support the child with clarity and care.

    1. Welcome

    2. Meet your instructor

    3. Before you begin: reflect on where you're starting from

    4. Let's introduce ourselves

    5. Where are you now?

    6. Quiz: Getting started

    7. Shape your learning journey

    1. Learning Objectives

    2. Purpose, history, and key principles

    3. When to use (and when not to)

    4. Understanding your audience

    1. Learning Objectives

    2. Descriptive, perspective, directive, and affirmative sentences

    3. Tone and language do’s and don’ts

    4. Examples of effective vs ineffective stories

    1. Learning Objectives

    2. Planning the story

    3. Drafting the sentences

    4. Reviewing and checking fit

    1. Learning Objectives

    2. Younger vs older learners

    3. Autism and neurodiversity considerations

    4. School, home, and public settings

    1. Learning Objectives

    2. Gaining consent

    3. Promoting autonomy

    4. Avoiding power imbalance

Why this course works

  • Apply each lesson straight away with practical story-writing tasks.
  • Get input on your stories to help you improve — not just complete.
  • Access discussion forums to share ideas and build confidence together.

Stand out with a verified digital badge — share it on LinkedIn, your CV, or anywhere your work speaks.

More than a badge — it’s a signal.

When you complete this course, you’ll unlock a verified digital badge that tells others you don’t just care — you’re capable. Add it to your LinkedIn, CV, or email signature to stand out in a crowded field. You’ll also get a Certificate of Completion, perfect for PD records, performance reviews, or your professional portfolio.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Understand what mental health first aid is — and why it matters

  • Recognise early signs that someone might be struggling

  • Respond with calm, confidence and care in challenging situations

  • Know what to say, what to do, and when to step in

  • Refer people to the right support without overstepping your role

  • Help reduce stigma and promote mental health awareness in your community

Here’s what others often ask before enrolling.

We’ve answered some of the most common questions below to help you feel confident before getting started.

Absolutely. You don’t need any prior knowledge — this course is designed to be practical, clear, and easy to follow, no matter your background.

We’ve designed it to fit around your life. It’s self-paced, so you can dip in and out as it suits you — no pressure, no deadlines.

There are no live sessions required — everything is available on-demand, so you can learn when it works for you.

Yes — you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion and a verified digital badge you can add to your CV or LinkedIn profile.

You’ll get a mix of short videos, practical activities, and reflection exercises — it’s designed to be engaging, not just passive watching.

You’ll still have access to your resources and can revisit materials anytime. We also send occasional updates and tips to keep your skills fresh.

While it’s an online course, we include realistic case examples and practical exercises to help you apply what you’ve learned.

Yes — you can choose a monthly or yearly plan depending on what suits you best.

We’re happy to help. Just email us at [[email protected]], and we’ll arrange an alternative payment method.

As soon as your payment is confirmed, you’ll get instant access to the full course.

No problem. Just contact us and we’ll help you pause or reschedule your enrolment.

Yes — we offer group enrollment options for teams and organisations. Reach out to us and we’ll guide you through it.

Why We Built This.

Kieran Thorpe | Director

BHealthSc, GCertEd, GDipPsych, MSc (Psych), MAPS

Hi, I’m Kieran — a psychology lecturer and mental health educator with over 20 years of experience supporting people through challenging moments. I’ve worked across education, community services and mental health, helping individuals, teams and organisations build the skills to respond calmly, confidently and compassionately when someone is struggling. This course was designed to give you practical tools — not just theory — so you can feel ready to help when it matters most. My goal is to make sure you leave with simple, real-world strategies that you can use straight away, no matter your role or background. You don’t need to be a psychologist to support someone — you just need the right approach. That’s what this course is all about.

Dr Ashley Humphrey | Co-Founder

BA (Psych) (Hons), PhD

Hi, I’m Ashley — a psychology educator and researcher with a focus on how people think, connect, and find meaning in tough times. My work explores the values, beliefs, and social dynamics that shape wellbeing — especially for young people and those navigating uncertainty. Over the past decade, I’ve published research on identity, mental health, and social connection, and taught psychology at the university level. But I’ve always believed that psychology should be useful — not just academic. At The Wellbeing Project, I help turn big ideas into practical tools. My aim is to make sure the learning feels relevant, clear, and immediately useful — so that what you take from our courses sticks with you long after the page is closed.

In 2018, we were bored, tired, and frustrated with sitting through professional development that didn’t work. It was the 21st century — why were we still getting death by PowerPoint? With support from Spark Deakin and backing from Deakin University, The Wellbeing Project was born. Not just a course, but a rethink of what learning could be.

This site is intended to provide general information and strategies to assist with the management of behavioural challenges. This is not a substitute for specialist medical advice and you should always consult a qualified health professional before commencing any intervention.

Before there were whiteboards, there were stories in the stars.

We learn on Wurundjeri land, named after the Manna Gum — a tree rich in culture, medicine and meaning. We honour Elders past and present, the original teachers.