First Aid for Mental Health

Each year approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition and at least 1 in 6 employees experience common mental health problems in the workplace. Research has shown that work is the biggest cause of stress which can stop people performing at their best. Mental health conditions are often hidden due to stigma and fear of discrimination and research has shown that a culture of fear and silence around mental health is costly to employers. The HSE guidance 'First aid needs assessment’ refers to mental health in the workplace.

On the course you will learn to recognise a range of mental health conditions, how to start a supportive conversation and when and how to signpost a person to seek appropriate professional help. You will know how to recognise and manage stress and understand the impact of substance abuse.

You will learn about the first aid action plan for mental health, be able to put it in place and know how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace.

You will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions as this can only be carried out by healthcare professionals but will gain the knowledge to identify when a person may have a condition and know where they can go to get help.

Course syllabus

A range of First Aid for Mental Health related subjects are covered including:

• What is First Aid for Mental Health?
• Identifying mental health conditions
• Providing advice and starting a conversation
• Stress
• Mental health conditions
• Drugs and alcohol
• First Aid for Mental Health action plan
• First Aid for Mental Health in the workplace

Duration

A minimum of 6 hours spread over at least one day (e.g. 09:00 – 16:30).

Numbers

A maximum of 16 students are allowed on the course and must be a minimum of 14 years of age.

A certificate can be offered to all, subject to assessment.

Assessment

A range of methods are used, including practical and questioning (open and multiple-choice).

Certification

A Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health will be issued to the learner, subject to successful assessment.

This qualification is valid for three years from the date of achievement.

It is strongly recommended that the learner attends annual refresher training.

The learner will need to complete the full course again to requalify for a further three years.