Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an accredited training course which teaches you how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.
Learning takes place over two days across four manageable sessions. Through a mix of group activities, presentations and discussions, each session is built around a Mental Health First Aid action plan.
This course is ideal for those who would like to become an Mental Health Aider 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 evidence-based Mental Health First Aid training, you are also provided with three-year access to ongoing learning and support through the MHFA England 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 MHFA England Mental Health First Aiders
Learning outcomes
As an Mental Health First Aider you 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 supports
Practice 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
Practice self-care
Course Overview
The course is set into four manageable chunks delivered by one of our engaging and knowledgeable trainers, using a mix of group activities, presentations and discussions. As a charity, we know all about mental health and have a deeper understanding of the impact that poor mental health can have on our communities and workplaces.
Session One
What is Mental Health First Aid?
The Mental Health First Aiderrole
Self-care
The MHFA action plan
What is mental health?
Session Two
What influences mental health?
Applying the action plan
What is anxiety?
What is a traumatic event?
Active listening and empathy
What are eating disorders?
What is substance misuse?
Session Three
What is depression?
What is suicide?
What is psychosis?
Session Four
Recovery and lived experience
Boundaries of the Mental Health First Aiderrole
Moving forward in the Mental Health First Aiderrole
Everyone who completes this course gets:
A manual to refer to whenever you need it
A workbook including a helpful toolkit to support your own mental health
A wallet sized fold out card detailing the Mental First Aid Action Plan
A certificate of attendance to show you are a Mental Health First Aider
Three-year access to the 24/7 MHFA England Support App®
Access to ongoing learning to support you in the role and ensure you have the most up-to-date information on mental health
A library of resources that will support you to have impactful conversations
Mental Health First Aider online events, exploring different topics and themes around mental health and the Mental Health First Aiderrole
Exclusive Mental Health First Aider content, regular online events to provide further learning and support so you are confident to perform your role effectively, long after your training
