Mental Health First Aider
(face-to-face and online delivery available)
Become a Mental Health First Aider
Youth Mental Health First Aider
Mental Health First Aid Refresher
Become a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®)
(face-to-face and online delivery available)
About MHFA
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised learning experience that teaches you how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.
We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Mental ill health can strike at any time and can affect people from all walks of life.
Although things are improving, stigma still exists around mental ill health. As a society, we don't tend to know how to take care of our mental health like we do our physical health. This means that people may not know how to support a friend, family member or colleague experiencing a mental health issue, or where to go for support with their own mental health.
Face to Face
The face-to-face Mental Health First Aider course is a full two day programme, that comprises four sessions, delivered through a mix of presentations and various learning activities including quizzes, group work, videos, case studies and reflective activities. The two days can be back to back or spread out one week apart (eg Monday and Monday).
Online
The online version is delivered through four tutor led live sessions that range from 3hrs to 3hrs 45mins in length. The live sessions can be delivered flexibly over two days or four days, whatever your preference.
Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes for both the face-to-face and online versions are the same, where Mental Health First Aiders will be able to:
- Listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis, and even potentially stop a crisis from happening
- Recognise warning signs of mental ill health, and develop the skills and confidence to approach and support someone while keeping themself safe
- Empower someone to access the support they might need for recovery or successful management of symptoms. This could include self-help books or websites, accessing therapy services through their GP, their school or place of work, online self-referral, support groups, and more.
- Gain an understanding of how to support positive wellbeing and tackle stigma in the world around them
Training is delivered by quality trainers who have completed the MHFA England Instructor Training programme, which is accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health.
Support after the learning experience
After completion of the learning experience, learners receive three years of certification, plus access to ongoing benefits.
In addition to the course, learners will become part of the largest MHFAider® community in England, gaining access to resources, ongoing learning and 24/7 digital support through MHFA England's MHFAider Support App®, to give the tools and knowledge needed to carry out the role effectively and confidently, whether that be in a workplace, a volunteer role, or in the community.
Course numbers
Attendee numbers are recommended at a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 16 per group and each will receive:
- A Mental Health First Aider certificate upon completion of the course
- Comprehensive course materials that includes a manual, workbook and quick reference guide of the Mental Health First Aid action plan
About Youth MHFA
Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses are for everyone who works with, lives with or supports young people aged 8-18.
You will certify as a Youth Mental Health First Aider where you will gain the necessary skills and confidence to spot the signs of mental health issues in a young person, offer first aid and guide them towards the support they need. In doing so, you can speed up a young person’s recovery and stop a mental health issue from getting worse.
Learning outcomes
- An in-depth understanding of young people’s mental health and factors that affect wellbeing
- Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
- Confidence to reassure and support a young person in distress
- Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening
- Knowledge to help a young person recover their health by guiding them to further support – whether that’s through self-help sites, their place of learning, the NHS, or a mix – engaging with parents, carers and external agencies where appropriate
- Ability to support a young person with a long-term mental health issue or disability to thrive
- Tools to look after your own mental wellbeing
Face to Face
The face-to-face course is a full two day programme, delivered through a mix of presentations and various learning activities including quizzes, group work, videos, case studies and reflective activities. The two days can be back to back or spread out one week apart (eg Monday and Monday).
Online Course
The online version is delivered through a mix of self led individual online learning and four tutor led live sessions. The live sessions can be delivered flexibly over a few days or a couple of weeks, whatever your preference.
Course Numbers
Attendee numbers are recommended at a minimum of 6 and maximum of 16 per group and each will receive:
- A Youth Mental Health First Aider certificate upon completion of the course
- Comprehensive course materials that includes a manual, workbook and quick reference guide of the Mental Health First Aid action plan
About The Refresher
The Mental Health First Aid Refresher course is designed for people who have completed the Mental Health First Aider course and require a refresh of their skills. It is delivered through a mix of presentations, group activities, discussions and videos. This four hour course is available face to face and online.
Learning Outcomes
• Keep their awareness of mental health supports current
• Update knowledge of mental health and what influences it
• Practice applying the Mental Health First Aid action plan
It is recommended that the refresher course be completed every 3 years following the full two-day course, to feel confident that you are able to fulfil your role as a MHFAider.
Course Numbers
Attendee numbers are recommended at a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 25 per group and each will receive
- A Mental Health First Aid Refresher certificate upon completion of the course
- Comprehensive course materials that includes a combined manual and workbook
