What Is the Mental Health First Aid Course?
The Mental Health First Aid Course in Edinburgh is a comprehensive two-day training programme that equips you with the knowledge and confidence to support mental health in the workplace. Throughout interactive sessions, you will learn how to spot the early indicators of mental health challenges, engage in supportive conversations, effectively manage crises, and refer individuals to professional support services when needed.
Led by accredited trainers, the course incorporates real-world examples and practical exercises, making it easier to grasp key concepts. By the end of the course, you’ll be skilled in empathetic listening, setting appropriate boundaries, and confidently guiding others to the help they need.
Upon completion, you will receive an accredited certificate, recognised nationally, that underscores your commitment to improving mental health awareness and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
✅ Mental Health First Aiders create more resilient workplaces by promoting open conversations and offering critical support when it’s needed most.
Who Should Take the Mental Health First Aid Course in Edinburgh?
This course is perfect for both individuals and organisations that are committed to promoting mental well-being and enhancing resilience. It’s particularly beneficial for:
- Customer service teams, especially those in hospitality, tourism, or public-facing roles
- People in HR or organisational development roles
- Managers, team leaders, and supervisors
- Mental health champions or wellbeing advocates
- Volunteers and those working in charities or community services
- Anyone who wants to better support their colleagues, friends, or family members
What Will You Learn?
The two-day Mental Health First Aid course in Edinburgh is designed to equip you with the practical skills and confidence necessary to support others facing mental health challenges. Key topics covered in this course include:
Understanding Mental Health and Its Impact
- Recognise early indicators of conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression
- Learn about the effects of mental health issues on individuals, teams, and the overall work environment
- Explore the social and cultural factors that influence mental health, especially in the context of Edinburgh’s diverse communities
Supporting Conversations and Setting Boundaries
- Build skills in active listening and compassionate, non-judgmental communication
- Learn how to approach delicate conversations while maintaining respect and empathy
- Set clear boundaries to support others without overstepping, while ensuring your own wellbeing
Responding Effectively in Crisis Situations
- Offer immediate support during mental health crises, including panic attacks and suicidal ideation
- Use a structured approach to handle emergencies and ensure the person receives timely help
- Know when to escalate concerns to appropriate professionals, safeguarding the individual’s needs
Signposting Support and Prioritising Self-Care
- Direct people towards appropriate professional mental health services and community resources
- Understand safeguarding principles and confidentiality to protect sensitive information
- Develop strategies for your own personal resilience and wellbeing, ensuring that you are prepared to support others long-term
How Is the Course Delivered?
The Mental Health First Aid course in Edinburgh is offered over two full days (approximately 6–7 hours per day). You have the flexibility to choose your preferred delivery method from the following options:
- Classroom delivery at a central Edinburgh venue, where you'll participate in interactive activities and group discussions.
- Live online sessions via a virtual classroom, offering the same content and certification as the in-person option.
Both delivery options are interactive, engaging, and facilitated by accredited trainers. Regardless of the format, you will gain the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to support mental wellbeing in the workplace, along with a nationally recognised certificate upon completion.
Entry Requirements
This course is open to individuals aged 16 or older. There are no formal prerequisites, making it accessible to anyone interested in supporting others with mental health challenges. You will need to be comfortable taking part in group discussions and role-playing activities, and to have a good understanding of English to engage with the course content.
What to Expect
We want to ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout the course. The training includes sensitive topics such as suicide prevention and self-harm. If, at any point, you feel uncomfortable, you are welcome to step away or take a break. If you are booking for someone else, please make sure they are ready to engage with the subject matter.
If you have any concerns about whether this course is right for you, our team is happy to discuss it with you confidentially.
How Is the Course Assessed?
The Mental Health First Aid course in Edinburgh is assessed through ongoing participation rather than formal exams. You will engage in group discussions, role-playing exercises, and interactive activities to demonstrate your understanding. There are no written tests — instead, the focus is on practical application, active participation, and building confidence. Throughout the course, you'll also take part in short quizzes to reinforce key concepts and review your knowledge.
Will I Receive a Recognised Certificate?
Upon completing the Mental Health First Aid course in Edinburgh, you will receive an accredited certificate recognised by employers and organisations across the UK.
This certificate is valid for three years. After this period, it’s recommended that you take refresher training to ensure your knowledge remains current and your skills are up to date. Obtaining this certificate signifies your commitment to workplace wellbeing and actively helping to reduce mental health stigma.
🎯 Boundaries, Safeguarding & After-Care
This course focuses on equipping you with the ability to listen, offer reassurance, and guide individuals — not to diagnose or provide therapy. You’ll learn how to set clear boundaries, understand when to escalate issues, and ensure sensitive information is handled with confidentiality. We also provide follow-up resources and signposting tools to ensure you know where to seek additional support for both yourself and others after completing the course.
On-Site Mental Health First Aid in Edinburgh (For Teams)
On-site Mental Health First Aid training in Edinburgh is a cost-effective and practical way for organisations to train their teams together in a unified approach to mental health. This method provides numerous advantages for your team:
- ✓Save time and minimise disruption by scheduling the training at convenient dates
- ✓Adapt the content to reflect your specific workplace environment with tailored case studies
- ✓Promote a consistent mental health support strategy across all employees
- ✓Offer training to groups of employees at once, ensuring equal access to high-quality learning
- ✓Benefit from a cost-effective solution when compared to individual course registrations
Edinburgh Location and Areas We Welcome Learners From
The Mental Health First Aid course in Edinburgh is delivered at a conveniently located venue in the city centre, easily accessible via public transport and with ample parking nearby. We welcome learners from all across the city and surrounding areas, including Leith, Morningside, Stockbridge, and Gorgie. Participants also travel from nearby areas such as Musselburgh, Dalkeith, and Livingston, making the course accessible to a wide range of individuals.
Other First Aid Courses in Edinburgh
Alongside the Mental Health First Aid programme, we also offer a full range of accredited First Aid Courses in Edinburgh. Popular options include Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), First Aid at Work (FAW), and Paediatric First Aid. You can explore all available dates and venues on our Edinburgh training hub.
Why Book With Us?
Booking your Mental Health First Aid course with Hurak provides you with convenience, support, and confidence. Here’s what sets us apart:
- ✓Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- ✓Flexible payment options, including Klarna instalments
- ✓Nationally recognised certificates accepted by employers
- ✓Over 100,000 learners trained across the UK
- ✓Dedicated learner support available before, during, and after the course
- ✓Convenient central venues and on-site training options
