First Aid for Mental Health

Training Course 

Mental Health challenges affect 1 in 4 of us, so being able to offer help and support until professional help is available, or until the concern has passed, is a brilliant skill set for teams and staff across various organisations. When offering first aid to those experiencing mental health challenges, we consider a variety of aims and outcomes, sometimes the simplest being how we offer time, space, and environments conducive to positive mental health.

Mental Health First Aiders will learn to develop positive relationships to encourage the accessing of support when required, they will identify early signs and symptoms of poor mental health, offer supportive conversation free from judgement while maintaining confidentiality, signpost to relevant support and services, work to reduce stigma around mental health within their organisation and assess any risk of harm.

Offering help and care to individuals who are experiencing poor mental health is something many of us want to contribute to, it is also something that organisations must consider to actively support those they have a duty of care towards. Employers also have a legal responsibility to support their staff. Work-related mental health challenges must be assessed to consider any risk, and if a risk is identified, employers have a responsibility to assess it and implement measures and support to reduce such a risk as far as reasonably practical. 

First Aid for Mental Health qualifications are regulated by Ofqual which are listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SCQF).

Training Available

• FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health
  • Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health at SCQF Level 4 (Scotland)
• FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Youth Mental Health
  • Award in First Aid for Youth Mental Health at SCQF Level 5 (Scotland)
• FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health
  • Award in First Aid for Mental Health at SCQF Level 5 (Scotland)
• FAA Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health
  • Award in Leading First Aid for Mental Health at SCQF Level 6 (Scotland)

Learning Outcomes / Aims for the Mental Health First Aider

• Preserve life where a person could be a danger to themselves or others
• Alleviate suffering by providing immediate comfort and support
• Support the prevention of poor mental health developing into a more significant concern
• Promote the recovery of good mental health by signposting and obtaining professional support