Mental Health First Aid

Overview

To become a Mental Health First Aider you must complete a two day MHFA course.

This is our most comprehensive awareness and skills course, which includes a mix of presentations, discussions and group work activities.

Every MHFA course is delivered by a quality assured instructor who has completed our Instructor Training programme accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health.

Anyone can attend an MHFA course but an interest in mental health and wellbeing is desirable. When you have completed the course, you will receive a certificate to confirm that you are a trained Mental Health First Aider and a fold-out card summarising the five-step MHFA action plan to carry with you.

Course Content

• Spotting the early signs and symptoms of mental ill health
• Starting a supportive conversation with a colleague who may be experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress
• Listening to the person non-judgmentally
• Assessing the risk of suicide or self-harm
• Encouraging the person to access appropriate professional support or self-help
• Escalation to the appropriate emergency services when necessary
• Maintaining confidentiality as appropriate
• Completing critical incident documents
• Protecting yourself whilst performing the role