What Is the Mental Health First Aid Course?
The Mental Health First Aid Course in Durham is a hands-on, two-day training programme designed to help individuals build confidence and competence in supporting mental health and wellbeing. Through interactive sessions, you'll learn how to identify early signs of mental health struggles, engage in supportive conversations, respond effectively in crises, and direct individuals to the appropriate professional help.
This course, led by accredited trainers, incorporates practical exercises and real-life case studies, providing a comprehensive learning experience. By the end, you will be equipped with the skills to listen with empathy, maintain appropriate boundaries, and confidently signpost individuals to the right support services.
Upon completing the course, you'll receive an accredited certificate, recognised nationwide, that demonstrates your dedication to promoting mental wellbeing and creating a supportive environment in your workplace or community.
✅ Mental Health First Aiders play a crucial role in fostering safe and supportive spaces by facilitating open, non-judgmental conversations around mental health.
Who Should Take the Mental Health First Aid Course in Durham?
The Mental Health First Aid Course in Durham is ideal for both individuals and organisations seeking to enhance mental health awareness and foster resilience. This course is particularly beneficial for the following roles:
- Leaders in charity and third-sector organisations
- Volunteers working in support roles
- Managers and supervisors responsible for staff support
- Anyone seeking to support colleagues, friends, or family members
- HR teams and wellbeing coordinators
- Customer-facing professionals in hospitality, retail, or services
What Will You Learn?
This two-day Mental Health First Aid training in Durham equips you with the practical tools and confidence to support others in managing mental health challenges. Key areas of learning include:
Understanding Mental Health
- Recognise early indicators of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions
- Learn how mental health challenges impact individuals, teams, and overall workplace dynamics
- Examine how social, cultural, and environmental factors influence mental wellbeing
Responding to a Crisis
- Offer immediate, safe support during panic attacks or moments of suicidal ideation
- Follow a structured action plan to manage crisis situations effectively
- Understand when to escalate concerns and how to involve the appropriate professionals
Effective Conversations and Boundaries
- Develop skills in active listening and fostering non-judgmental communication
- Approach sensitive discussions with empathy, respect, and care
- Maintain healthy personal and professional boundaries while providing emotional support
Signposting and Self-Care
- Guide individuals towards appropriate professional and community-based support services
- Understand confidentiality and safeguarding principles in mental health support
- Build strategies to maintain your own wellbeing and resilience in emotionally demanding situations
How Is the Course Delivered?
The Mental Health First Aid course in Durham is delivered across two full days, each lasting approximately 6–7 hours. You can select from the following delivery options:
- Classroom-based sessions at our centrally located Durham venue, offering interactive group activities and instructor-led discussions.
- Live online sessions conducted via a virtual classroom, with the same content and certification as the in-person course.
Both options are engaging and interactive, led by accredited trainers who ensure that you gain practical skills and confidence, as well as a nationally recognised certificate upon completion.
Entry Requirements
This course is open to everyone aged 16 and above, with no prior qualifications required. It’s ideal for anyone interested in supporting others with mental health challenges. Participants should be comfortable engaging in group discussions and role-playing activities, and have a good level of English to follow the training materials.
What to Expect
We are committed to creating a safe and respectful learning environment. Throughout the training, sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide will be covered. You are encouraged to take breaks whenever necessary if you feel uncomfortable. If you're booking for someone else, please ensure they are prepared to engage with these sensitive topics.
If you have any concerns or are unsure whether this course is right for you, our team is available for a private and confidential conversation to provide additional support.
How Is the Course Assessed?
The Mental Health First Aid course in Durham is assessed through ongoing participation rather than written exams. You’ll engage in group discussions, hands-on role-playing, and interactive activities, allowing you to demonstrate your understanding. Trainers assess your engagement and application of the material in a practical context. Short quizzes may be included during the course to consolidate key concepts and check your progress.
Will I Receive a Recognised Certificate?
Yes, upon successful completion, you will receive an accredited Mental Health First Aid certificate. This qualification is recognised by employers and organisations throughout the UK.
The certificate is valid for three years. After this period, we strongly recommend attending refresher training to stay up-to-date and continue building your confidence in supporting mental wellbeing. Holding this certificate demonstrates your commitment to fostering a healthy and supportive work environment, as well as addressing mental health stigma.
🎯 Boundaries, Safeguarding & Ongoing Support
This course teaches you how to offer support, listen effectively, and guide individuals towards professional help — not to diagnose or provide therapy. You will also learn how to establish appropriate boundaries, escalate concerns when necessary, and handle sensitive information with discretion and care. Following the course, you'll be provided with signposting tools and follow-up resources to ensure that both you and those you support have access to ongoing assistance.
On-Site Mental Health First Aid in Durham (For Teams)
Organisations in Durham can arrange on-site Mental Health First Aid training, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to upskill your team in mental wellbeing support.
- ✓Train your entire team simultaneously, ensuring consistency across the workplace
- ✓ Customise the training to suit the unique needs of your work environment
- ✓Save on costs with group training compared to individual course bookings
- ✓Choose training dates that fit with your team’s schedule
- ✓Support a unified approach to mental health and wellbeing across your workforce
Durham Location and Areas We Welcome Learners From
The Mental Health First Aid courses in Durham are held at a centrally located venue, easily accessible by local public transport, with parking options available nearby for those arriving by car. We welcome learners from across Durham and the surrounding areas, including Crook, Sedgefield, Darlington, and Spennymoor. Many of our participants also travel from towns such as Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, and Consett, making this course convenient for a wide range of people.
Other First Aid Courses in Durham
Along with the Mental Health First Aid training, we offer a comprehensive range of accredited First Aid Courses in Durham. Popular options include Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), Paediatric First Aid, and the full First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification. You can view all upcoming dates and venues through our Durham training hub.
Why Book With Us?
Booking your Mental Health First Aid course with Hurak ensures you have access to exceptional training and flexibility. Here's why we’re the preferred choice for your course:
- ✓Nationally recognised certification accepted by employers throughout the UK
- ✓Flexible payment options, including Klarna instalments
- ✓More than 100,000 learners trained across the UK
- ✓Convenient training venues in Durham, plus on-site options for businesses
- ✓Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- ✓Comprehensive support before, during, and after your course
