Mental Health First Aiders
Who Is It For?
It’s for designated staff at every level.
It’s for anyone who wishes to be able to offer mental health first aid (as opposed to simply increased awareness).
What Does The Individual Gain?
Greater understanding of mental health and the factors that affect people’s wellbeing
Develop ability to be able to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
The confidence to step-in, reassure and support a person in distress
Inter-personal skills enhanced, such as non-judgmental listening
Awareness of support networks that a person can be guided towards
Practical tools to look after their own wellbeing
Course Duration
2 day
Duration Of Qualification:
3 years
Assessment:
Ongoing, not final assessment
Course Materials:
Certificate and Manual
Responsibilities
What the role is:
A voluntary role
A point of contact
Provide reassurance
What the role isn’t:
It’s not to be a therapist or councillor
It’s not to diagnose
It’s not to provide ongoing support
Carrying out your role responsibly involves the following:
Keeping yourself safe and well, and only performing the role at times that are appropriate for your own wellbeing.
Communicating any concerns about the mental health and wellbeing of anyone in your workplace, for example to an appropriate manager
Following your workplace’s policies and procedures on how MHFA is implemented in the workplace
Upholding your role as a Mental Health First Aider alongside your other responsibilities
Establishing appropriate boundaries between yourself and colleagues you may be supporting
Refreshing your skills every three years on an MHFA Refresher course
Enquire for options
Format
This can either be delivered online, or face to face. Whilst the topics and learning outcomes are largely the same, the delivery varies according to whether you prefer the learning to be online or face to face. Whatever the format, it will be delivered by a MHFA England approved instructor.
Takeaways
Upon completion everybody receives:
A MHFA manual for reference
A certificate to say they are a Mental Health First Aider
A Line Managers Resource – an invaluable guide on supporting a person experiencing mental ill health
