Mental Health First Aid

29% of managers in the UK say more training would help them support more people at work.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course, designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. 

In the same way as learning physical first aid, MHFA teaches people how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill health and feel confident to guide someone to appropriate support. 

What is a mental health first aider?

In general, the role of a Mental Health First Aider in the workplace is to be a point of contact for an employee who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. This interaction could range from having an initial conversation through to supporting the person to get appropriate help. As well as in a crisis, Mental Health First Aiders are valuable in providing early intervention help for someone who may be developing a mental health issue.

Mental Health First Aiders are not trained to be therapists or psychiatrists but they can offer initial support through non-judgemental listening and guidance.

Mental Health First Aiders are trained to:

  • Spot the early signs and symptoms of mental ill health
  • Start a supportive conversation with a colleague who may be experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress
  • Listen to the person non-judgementally
  • Assess the risk of suicide or self-harm
  • Encourage the person to access appropriate professional support or self-help strategies. This might include encouraging access to internal support systems such as EAPs or in-house counselling services
  • Escalate to the appropriate emergency services, if necessary−Maintain confidentiality as appropriate
  • Protect themselves while performing their role

What can you expect from a course?

To become a Mental Health First Aider you must complete a two day MHFA course.

This two day course is an internationally recognised programme designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of poor mental health and how to provide help.

What will you receive?

  • MHFAider certificate
  • MHFA workbook
  • Access to MHFAider support app, manual, training resources and ongoing support
  • Access to regular, online, exclusive events to encourage the development of your skills to support your workplace or community.

When is the training?

The training will be delivered across two days at a venue to suit your needs.

    What does it cost?

      It's £275 per person-discounted from the £320 MHFA price.