Mental Health First Aid
MHFA Training

Two days training for an in-depth look at mental health and the common conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, self-harm and schizophrenia. We also explore suicide and crisis intervention. The training is evidence based, grounded in research and designed to be easily digested and incredibly thought provoking.
The MHFA programme is practiced worldwide and certification is recognised in over 25 countries. Upon completing the two day MHFA course learners become a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) and join a community over 5 million people worldwide who have trained in MHFA skills.
The training gives a thorough understanding of the risk and protective factors effecting mental health and the skills to spot, support and signpost someone who is experiencing a developing mental health issue. Time is also spent enhancing conversation and listening skills, giving the confidence to offer support even in a crisis situation. Very importantly, we also look in-depth at self-care and boundaries of the MHFAider® role so that Mental Health First Aiders can be safe and confident in their role whilst keeping themselves well.
Two days training, you will gain skills to;
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Recognise those that may be experiencing poor mental health and provide them with first-level support and early intervention
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Encourage a person to identify and access sources of professional help and other supports
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Practise active listening and empathy
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Have a conversation with improved mental health literacy around language and stigma
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Discuss the MHFAider® role in depth, including boundaries and confidentiality
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Practise self-care
Everyone who completes the course gets:
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A hard copy workbook to support their learning throughout the course
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A digital manual to refer to whenever they need it after completing the course
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A wallet-sized reference card with the Mental Health First Aid action plan
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A digital MHFAider® certificate
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Access to the MHFAider Support App® for three years
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Access to ongoing learning opportunities, resources and exclusive events
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The opportunity to be part of the largest MHFAider® community in England
Course structure
Learning takes places through a medley of group discussions, videos, workshop activities and case studies. The pace is kept light and easy to follow whilst being incredibly thought provoking.
Training options:
In-person classroom training: We currently run in-person mental health first aid courses where individual places can be booked. The classroom format is two days training. See locations at bottom of this web page.
Online deliveries: Same training and certificate, delivered via live virtual classrooms- Mental health first aid online
Private group training: If you have six or more people to train you have the option to chose your own
dates and schedule.
Mental health first aid course syllabus
Session One
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Mental Health First Aid and the action plan
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The MHFAider® role and self-care
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Helpful and unhelpful language
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Useful models to support the role
Session Two
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What influences mental health?
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What is anxiety?
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Crisis first aid
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Active listening and empathy
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What are eating disorders?
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What is self-harm?
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What is substance misuse?
Session Three
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Applying the Mental Health First Aid action plan
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What is depression?
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What is suicide?
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Crisis first aid continued
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What is psychosis?
Session Four
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Recovery and lived experience
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Boundaries in the MHFAider® role
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Moving forward in the MHFAider® role
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My MHFA action plan
This above page is for the Adult MHFA courses, see the course outline for Youth MHFA