Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

Learn to Recognise, Support & Signpost – from Early Signs of Mental Ill Health to Crisis

What is a Mental Health First Aid Course?

This two-day MHFA England certificate course gives you the confidence to spot when someone’s struggling with their mental health, and the tools to step in, listen, and guide them towards the right support. You’ll learn how to recognise the early signs, respond in a crisis, and hold safe, supportive conversations without trying to fix or diagnose. At the end of the two days training you will become a certified MHFAider®.

Course Content

What can I expect from this Mental Health First Aid course?

You’ll receive comprehensive, hands-on training through a blend of expert instruction, interactive learning, and real-world application:

Over the two-day course, you’ll cover:

  • What mental health is and how to challenge stigma
  • Common conditions like depression, anxiety, self-harm, and psychosis
  • Suicide awareness and crisis response
  • The MHFA action plan (ALGEE®)
  • Active listening and having safe, supportive conversations
  • Setting boundaries and protecting your own wellbeing
  • How and where to signpost for further help

Our training is interactive, inclusive, and rooted in real-life situations - not just theory.

Entry Requirements

What are the entry requirements for the Mental Health First Aid course?

No previous knowledge needed. Just bring your curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to learn. Open to anyone aged 18+.

Assessment

There’s no formal assessment. Learners must attend both full days.

Certification

Upon completing the full course, you’ll become a certified MHFAider® and receive;

  • Mental Health First Aider Certificate
    Official recognition from MHFA England, valid for 3 years.
  • MHFA Action Plan Card and Lanyard 
    A handy reference for what to do in the moment, from early signs to crisis.
  • Digital Course Manual
    A comprehensive guide packed with practical information and strategies to refer back to anytime.
  • Digital Toolkit
    Extra resources to help you apply what you’ve learned in the real world.
  • Access to the MHFAider® Support App
    Ongoing support including 24/7 text support via Shout, self-care tips, and a national directory of health services - all at your fingertips.
FAQs

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FAQs

MHFA vs Mental Health Awareness – What’s the difference?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) delivers structured training and a practical action plan, whereas Mental Health Awareness provides general understanding and education.

  • MHFA is a 2-day accredited course, teaching when and how to offer immediate assistance using the ALGEE method.
  • Awareness courses can be short (few hours to a day) and focus on reducing stigma and building basic knowledge.
  • While both promote understanding, only MHFA equips you to act confidently in real situations.

How much does Mental Health First Aid cost in the UK?

Prices typically range from £125 to £325 per person, depending on duration, provider, and format.

  • Standard two-day MHFA courses usually cost between £300–£325.
  • Shorter options (one-day or half-day awareness sessions) may start from £125.
  • Group bookings or in-house training can offer discounted per-person rates.

Is MHFA certification recognised across the UK?

Yes, MHFA certification is widely accepted across the UK and backed by respected organisations, certificates are issued by MHFA England (often with RSPH Level 3 award accreditation).

  • Thousands of UK organisations, schools, and public services recognise and value MHFAiders.
  • Graduates can become members of the Association of MHFAiders®, extending national recognition

How often do I need to refresh MHFA training?

MHFAider certification is valid for three years, and a refresher is recommended at that point to stay current.

  • Refresher courses are typically half-day (3–4 hours) and update core ALGEE principles.
  • These sessions ensure your skills remain sharp and aligned with updated best practices.
  • Providers often recommend completing refreshers every three years.