**Abstract**

This study explored the effectiveness of a mental health first-aid program on improving young people's attitudes, knowledge and mental health-related behavior, using qualitative methods. An assessment of the pilot project that was conducted among social science students between age 18 and 34 years revealed a reduction in stigma, increased openness about mental health challenges and increase in utilization of professional services among participants (n-548) of the MHFA program, following the 13-week program. The study found that MHFA intervention projects were considerably more effective in changing attitudes towards mental illness when blended with indigenous concepts, values, language, as well as priorities for various cultures and settings. Based on analysis of course content and focused group discussions, the study concludes that four factors contributed to the overwhelming satisfaction experienced by participants: (1) the utilization of peer tutors in administering the training, (2) the inclusion of mental models and centering participants' agency in creating and administering training content, (3) the availability of peer mentors and a mobile application which makes referral (social prescribing) and access to professional intervention easy, and (4) the inclusion of friends and family as accountability partners.

**Keywords:** mental health first aid, South Africa, cultural competence, health education, mental illness
