14th August 2025
Supporting Young Minds: Why Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Matters More Than Ever
Did you know that half of all mental health problems are established by age 14?
By 18, that figure rises to 75%. And yet, most young people struggling with mental health don’t get the support they need early on.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, sports coach, or youth worker, you’re likely to be one of the first adults a young person turns to when they’re struggling. But would you know what to say or do?
The Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course, developed by MHFA England, is designed to give you the tools and confidence to step in, listen, and help, without needing to diagnose or “fix” someone. It’s about early intervention, safe conversations, and signposting to the right support.
What Is Youth Mental Health First Aid?
The Youth MHFA course is a two-day accredited programme aimed at anyone who works or interacts with young people aged 8–18. It teaches you how to:
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues
- Respond appropriately in a crisis
- Offer first aid support through a proven action plan
- Hold safe and non-judgemental conversations
- Support young people from all backgrounds, including those who are marginalised or underrepresented
- Look after your own mental wellbeing while supporting others
By the end of the course, you’ll become a certified Youth MHFAider®, empowered to make a real difference in a young person’s life.
Why It’s Needed: The Mental Health Crisis Among Young People
Mental health concerns in children and teenagers are rising. According to the NHS:
- 1 in 5 children and young people in England had a probable mental health disorder in 2023 – up from 1 in 9 in 2017.
- Anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self-harm are all becoming more common in schools and homes across the UK.
But stigma, silence, and lack of understanding often stop young people from reaching out, or adults from reaching in. That’s why early, informed support is crucial.
What Can I Expect on the Youth MHFA Course?
Delivered either in-person or virtually, this course breaks down into four structured sessions over two days, blending interactive discussions, scenario practice, and practical tools.
Day One:
- Understanding mental health and the MHFA approach
- The adolescent brain and how it impacts behaviour
- Tools like the “Stress Container” model
- Action planning and roleplay: anxiety, panic, trauma
Day Two:
- Applying the action plan in more complex situations
- Supporting young people who experience depression, psychosis, self-harm, addiction, or eating disorders
- Confidentiality, safeguarding, and boundaries
- Recovery, signposting, and your own self-care as a supporter
Training is led by qualified MHFA England instructors with real-world experience and compassionate delivery styles.
Who Should Attend?
Anyone with a duty of care for young people will benefit from this course. This includes:
- Teachers and school staff
- Sports coaches and youth workers
- Social workers and safeguarding leads
- Parents, carers, and foster families
- Charities and support services
No prior mental health experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and support.
Where Can I Take the Course?
The Youth Mental Health First Aid course is available nationwide through Transpire Training Ltd, one of our trusted training providers on Essential Training Hub. Courses are regularly delivered in accessible locations including:
- London
- Birmingham
- Milton Keynes
- Reading
- Brighton
Prefer to learn online? We also offer live virtual sessions with full MHFA England certification.
View available dates and book your place now »
Why Choose Essential Training Hub?
At Essential Training Hub, we connect you with industry-recognised mental health courses delivered by trusted UK providers. Our platform is built to make booking simple and accessible, whether you're an individual learner or booking training for your team.
Need help arranging a private session for your organisation or school? We can arrange group bookings for teams of six or more, with flexible delivery formats to suit your needs.
Let’s Create a Culture of Confidence
You don’t need to be a therapist to make a difference. You just need the confidence to start a conversation.
By training as a Youth MHFAider®, you’ll be equipped to listen, support, and guide the young people in your life before things reach crisis point. Together, we can build a future where every young person feels heard, valued, and supported.
“Sometimes all it takes is one trusted adult to change a young person’s path.”
Be that adult.