Mental Health First Aid

A 2-day internationally recognised training course which teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis.

Research and evaluation show that taking part in an MHFA course:

• Raises awareness and mental health literacy
• Reduces stigma around mental ill health
• Boosts knowledge and confidence in dealing with mental health issues
• Promotes early intervention which enables recovery

On completion of the course, learners will be able to:

• Recognise those that may be experiencing poor mental health and provide them with first-level support and early intervention.
• Encourage a person to identify and access sources of professional help and other support
• Practise active listening and empathy
• Have a conversation with improved mental health literacy around language and stigma.
• Discuss the role in depth, including boundaries and confidentiality.
• Practise self-care.

All learners will also gain access to the MHFAider Support App® for three years, which enables them to access 24/7 digital support, exclusive resources, and ongoing learning opportunities.

This course is ideal for individuals who would like to become an MHFAider® to:

• Gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health.
• Be confident starting a conversation and signpost a person to appropriate support
• Alongside the best evidence-based Mental Health First Aid training, MHFAiders are also provided with three-year access to ongoing learning and support through the MHFAider Support App®.
• The app gives you 24/7 digital support, access to exclusive resources, ongoing learning opportunities, and the benefit of joining England’s largest community of trained MHFAiders.

Learning takes place through a mix of instructor led training, group discussions, individual and group activities.

The course consists of four sessions and each session builds on the previous, enabling the learner to gain confidence in supporting others with a Mental Health First Aid action plan.

Every course is delivered by a quality assured instructor Member who has attended the Instructor Training programme accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health and is trained to keep people safe and supported while they learn.

Each learner will receive an electronic certificate.

Once qualified, you will be required to attend the MHFA Refresher course every three years to retain your qualification.