Mental Health First Aid

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.

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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. 

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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 

• Encourage a person to identify and access sources of professional help and other supports 

• Practise active listening and empathy 

• Have a conversation with improved mental health literacy around language and stigma 

• Discuss the MHFAider® role in depth, including boundaries and confidentiality 

• Practise self-care

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Everyone who completes the course gets:

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• A hard copy workbook to support their learning throughout the course 

• A digital manual to refer to whenever they need it​ after completing the course 

• A wallet-sized reference card with the Mental Health First Aid action plan​ 

• A digital MHFAider® certificate  

• Access to the MHFAider Support App® for three years 

• Access to ongoing learning opportunities, resources and exclusive events ​ 

• The opportunity to be part of the largest MHFAider® community in England 

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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. 

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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. 

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Online deliveries: Same training and certificate, delivered via live virtual classrooms- Mental health first aid online 

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Private group training: If you have six or more people to train you have the option to chose your own

dates and schedule.  

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Mental health first aid course syllabus

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Session One

• Mental Health First Aid ​and the action plan 

• The MHFAider® role ​and self-care 

• Helpful and unhelpful language ​ 

• Useful models to support the role  

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Session Two

• What influences mental health? ​ 

• What is anxiety? ​ 

• Crisis first aid 

• Active listening and empathy ​ 

• What are eating disorders? ​ 

• What is self-harm? ​ 

• What is substance misuse? ​ 

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Session Three

• Applying the Mental Health First Aid action plan 

• What is depression? ​ 

• What is suicide? ​ 

• Crisis first aid ​continued 

• What is psychosis? ​ 

 

Session Four

• Recovery and lived experience ​ 

• Boundaries in the MHFAider® role 

• Moving forward in the MHFAider® role ​ 

• My MHFA action plan ​ 

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