Mental health first aid training
Accredited training to reduce stigma and increase mental health awareness in your workplace
Reducing stigma around mental health in the workplace helps create a supportive, productive environment where all staff can thrive.
But knowing how to do this, and how to start those tricky conversations, can be difficult.
Mental Health First Aid training empowers your colleagues with the knowledge and confidence to support their peers. It breaks down barriers, provides vital resources and gives people the skills to recognise the signs and symptoms of poor mental health – in themselves or others.
We’re proud to be Mental Health First Aid England-accredited instructors and in the past four years we’ve trained more than 1,000 Mental Health First Aiders in a wide range of industries.
We offer a variety of courses to suit your budget and timescales, from the full two-day training to half-day refreshers.
You can choose from in-house training for your organisation or book a slot on one of the open courses we hold throughout the year.
Accredited Mental Health First Aid (two-day)
By the end of this two-day course participants will be accredited Mental Health First Aiders.
Through a series of interactive training sessions they will learn:
How to recognise signs and symptoms of poor mental health
How to start supportive conversations with anyone who may be struggling
How to assess that person’s level of risk
How to direct them to professional help
How to direct them toward other support
How to promote good mental health in the workplace
They will leave with a deeper understanding of the issues that impact mental health and with practical skills that can be used every day to help those around them.
The training is not just about mental health crisis, but about prevention too. It looks at reducing the stigma associated with poor mental health and how to enhance good mental health in the workplace, with a big focus on listening skills, compassion and empathy.
After their training all participants will have access to ongoing learning and support through the MHFAider Support App® which provides a variety of resources to help signpost people to appropriate services. The app gives 24/7 digital support, access to exclusive resources, ongoing learning opportunities, and the benefit of joining England’s largest community of trained Mental Health First Aiders.
There’s also the option to take an e-assessment to gain the Royal Society of Public Health’s Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid – an internationally-recognised, Ofqual regulated qualification that demonstrates continued commitment to, and understanding of, the subject.
Mental Health First Aid Champions (one-day course)
This Mental Health England-accredited course is excellent for businesses who already have Mental Health First Aiders and want to train the rest of their team in a shorter course that uses the same framework.
Employees will gain the confidence and knowledge to help support those with common mental health issues, an understanding of how to create a mentally healthy workplace and how to challenge stigma.
Mental Health First Aid Aware course (half-day)
This half-day course is ideal for businesses wanting to give large numbers of staff a general overview of the signs and symptoms of poor mental health, and the skills to start conversations around it.
Accredited by Mental Health England, participants do not become qualified Mental Health First Aiders but will have an excellent overview of the topics covered in the longer two-day course.
Mental Health First Aid (Refresher)
Mental Health England recommend that Mental Health First Aiders refresh their skills every three years.
This half-day course ensures they are up to date with the latest research, statistics and legislation.
FAQ's
Have a question? Find the answers to some common questions here or ask your own by clicking the button below.
Who should take a Mental Health First Aid course?
MHFA courses are suitable for everyone, including teachers, healthcare professionals, employers, HR managers, police officers, first responders, as well as friends and family members. Anyone who wants to learn how to support someone with a mental health issue will find the course beneficial.
Do I receive a certification after completing the course?
Yes, upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a Mental Health First Aider certificate. This certification is valid for three years, after which a refresher course is recommended to stay updated with the latest information and practices.
Is there an online version of the Mental Health First Aid course?
Yes, we deliver online versions of the MHFA course These courses offer the same comprehensive training as in-person sessions. The sessions are delivered over a 2 week period in 4-half day sessions.
How can Mental Health First Aid benefit my workplace?
Implementing MHFA in the workplace can help create a supportive and understanding environment, reduce stigma around mental health issues, and enhance overall employee wellbeing. It equips employees with the skills to support colleagues experiencing mental health challenges, leading to a more resilient and productive workforce. However, it should always be part of a larger mental health strategy.
How much does Mental Health First Aid cost Mental Health First Aid course?
A place on our open course is £330 per person. For organisations the course is £3,300 for up to 16 delegates.
What is the maximum number of delegates on a mental health first aid course?
We deliver to cohorts of between 8 and 16.
“Amy’s ability to approach difficult topics is incredible. She makes the training really professional and finds ways to interact with everyone.”
MHFA 2-day course attendee
More support via the AV WELL.HUB
As with all our courses, participants will get free access to our AV I WELL.HUB, our growing community for everyone that has accessed our training or consultancy services. This includes: