Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFA) | First Aid Classes | Mental Health First Aid Courses

Expert Training in Mental Health First Aid and Crisis Intervention

What is a Mental Health First Aid course?

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course equips participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide mental health first aid. This course is designed for anyone wishing to learn more about mental health issues or those required to support their workplace and employees. MHFA courses aim to reduce stigma associated with mental health and increase support for those with mental illnesses through education. It is also suitable for individuals working in mental health or supporting people in their personal lives.

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course teaching people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide first aid help. MHFA England training won’t make you a therapist, but it will teach you to listen, reassure, and respond in a crisis. Courses are for everyone aged 16 and upwards, delivered by quality-assured Instructor Members accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health.

Course Content

What can I expect from Mental Health First Aid training?

Participants will gain proficiency in:

Understanding Mental Health: Develop a comprehensive understanding of mental health, including the factors that affect people's wellbeing. This involves learning about the different types of mental health issues and the impact they have on individuals and communities.
Identifying Symptoms: Acquire practical skills to recognise the triggers and signs of various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance misuse. This includes learning how to assess the severity of the situation and identify when someone may need professional help.
Providing Immediate Support: Gain confidence to step in, reassure, and support a person in distress. Learn techniques for providing immediate help in crisis situations, such as suicidal crises or panic attacks, ensuring the person receives appropriate care as soon as possible.
Interpersonal Skills Development: Enhance interpersonal skills, particularly non-judgemental listening, which is crucial for providing effective support. Learn how to communicate empathetically and respectfully, ensuring the person feels heard and understood.
Guiding to Further Support: Gain knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support. This includes understanding the resources available, such as self-help materials, professional services, and support groups, and knowing how to refer someone to these resources effectively.
Reducing Stigma: Learn strategies to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. This involves understanding the social and cultural factors that contribute to stigma and developing approaches to challenge and change these perceptions.
Promoting Wellbeing: Understand the importance of promoting mental wellbeing in the workplace and community. Learn how to create supportive environments that encourage open discussions about mental health and wellbeing.

Entry Requirements

Are there any entry requirements for the MHFA course?

This course is ideal for individuals in workplaces responsible for supporting mental health, as well as those wanting to learn more about mental health issues. No prior experience with mental health first aid is required, making this course suitable for both new and experienced health and safety professionals.

Assessment

How is the MHFA course assessed?

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course and includes:

Practical Activities: Engage in interactive activities and role-plays to practice the skills learned, ensuring you can apply them in real-life situations.
Group Discussions: Participate in group discussions to deepen your understanding and gain different perspectives on mental health issues.
Presentations: Demonstrate your knowledge through presentations on various topics covered in the course.
Scenario-Based Exercises: Work through scenario-based exercises to apply the MHFA action plan in different situations, testing your ability to respond effectively.
Instructor Feedback: Receive continuous feedback from the instructor to help refine your skills and ensure you are prepared to provide mental health first aid

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive:

Certificate of Attendance: Official recognition as a Mental Health First Aider, which is valid for three years.
Mental Health Action Plan Reference Card: A quick reference guide for use in real-life situations.
Comprehensive Manual: Detailed information on mental health issues, intervention strategies, and further resources.
Toolkit: Additional resources and tools to support ongoing learning and application of mental health first aid skills.
Access to the MHFAider Support App: Provides 24/7 text support service, access to a national database of health services, and insights that teach critical self-care skills

FAQs

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FAQs

What qualifications do you need to be a Mental Health First Aider?

To become a Mental Health First Aider, you need to complete a recognised Mental Health First Aid course. These courses are specifically designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to identify, understand, and support someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. Here are the key aspects:

Training Requirements:

Course Provider: While MHFA England is the leading provider of these courses in England, the course must be accredited by a reputable organisation such as MHFA International or a comparable body.
Course Format: The training is available in various formats including online, face-to-face, and blended learning options. Typically, the course includes four sessions, each lasting up to 3 hours and 45 minutes, totalling 14 hours of instruction.
Learning Method: The course involves a combination of instructor-led sessions, group discussions, individual and group activities, and scenario-based exercises. This blended approach ensures that participants can apply the skills in real-life situations.
Content: The training covers recognising the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, providing initial support, understanding mental health and stigma, and knowing how to guide individuals to professional help.
Certification and Support:
Certification: Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a digital certificate valid for three years.
Ongoing Support: Certified MHFAiders gain access to the MHFAider Support App, which offers 24/7 text support, a database of health services, and resources for self-care and continuous learning. They are also invited to join the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, which provides further resources, webinars, and a supportive community for ongoing development.

While MHFA England is a popular provider, similar qualifications can be obtained through accredited Mental Health First Aid programs offered by other reputable organisations. These courses generally follow the same comprehensive curriculum and standards to ensure that individuals are well-equipped to support mental health in their communities.

Is it worth doing a Mental Health First Aid course?

Yes, it is highly beneficial to undertake a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course for several reasons:

1. Increased Awareness and Understanding:

Mental Health First Aid courses significantly enhance your understanding of mental health issues. They teach you to recognise the signs and symptoms of various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance use disorders. This knowledge is crucial in identifying issues early and providing the necessary support.

2. Reducing Stigma:

The training helps reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems. By fostering a better understanding of mental health issues and encouraging open discussions, MHFA courses help create a more supportive and accepting environment. This can be particularly beneficial in workplaces, schools, and communities where stigma can often prevent individuals from seeking help.

3. Practical Skills for Crisis Situations:

MHFA courses equip you with practical skills to provide immediate assistance to someone experiencing a mental health crisis. This includes skills in active listening, non-judgemental communication, and crisis intervention techniques. Knowing how to respond effectively in such situations can make a significant difference in outcomes.

4. Enhanced Confidence:

Participants often report increased confidence in dealing with mental health issues after completing the course. This confidence enables them to support colleagues, friends, or family members more effectively and encourages early intervention, which can be critical in preventing more severe mental health problems.

5. Comprehensive Support Network:

Upon completion of the course, you gain access to continuous support through resources like the MHFAider Support App, the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, and various online communities and webinars. These resources provide ongoing learning opportunities and a network of support to help you in your role as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA Portal).

6. Professional and Personal Benefits:

Having MHFA training is valuable in professional settings. Employers increasingly recognise the importance of mental health in the workplace and value employees who can contribute to a supportive work environment. On a personal level, the skills and knowledge gained can help you support friends and family, fostering stronger relationships and promoting overall well-being.

Overall, undertaking a Mental Health First Aid course is a worthwhile investment in your personal and professional development. It equips you with essential skills to support those around you, contributes to reducing mental health stigma, and promotes a healthier and more understanding community.

How long is a Mental Health First Aid course?

A Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course typically spans several sessions and involves a combination of live instruction and self-learning activities. The course duration can vary slightly depending on the format and provider, but generally, the standard course structure is as follows:

1. Standard Adult MHFA Course: The standard Adult MHFA course usually consists of four sessions. Each session lasts approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, totalling around 14 hours of instruction. These sessions can be spread over a period of one to two weeks, depending on the scheduling preferences of the participants and the instructor.
2. Blended Learning Options: Some providers offer blended learning options that combine online self-paced learning with live instructor-led sessions. This format allows participants to complete part of the training at their own pace online, followed by live sessions to practice skills and discuss key concepts. The total duration for blended learning courses is similar, typically amounting to 14 hours of instruction.
3. Intensive Courses: For those who prefer a more intensive format, there are options to complete the course over two full days. This format involves back-to-back sessions over a weekend or two consecutive weekdays, covering all the necessary content within a condensed timeframe.
4. Youth MHFA Course: The Youth MHFA course, designed for those working with young people aged 8-18, also follows a similar structure. It typically involves two full days or several shorter sessions spread over a week or two, totalling around 14 hours of training.
5. Flexible Scheduling: Providers may offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate different needs. For example, some courses may be scheduled for half-day sessions over several weeks to fit into busy schedules, particularly in workplace settings.

In summary, the duration of a Mental Health First Aid course generally totals around 14 hours of instruction, delivered through a combination of live sessions and self-paced learning activities. This can be spread over a couple of days or multiple sessions depending on the chosen format and provider.