Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Course

Mental Health First Aid Course Overview

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a globally recognised training course that teaches learners to identify signs of mental illnesses. This course is for anyone who plans to give primary support to those facing mental health issues. The training benefits individuals, professionals, and communities by improving awareness, empathy, and practical support for mental health challenges. The MHFA course can be delivered live online, in a classroom or at your preferred location, in the presence of a tutor.

Who is this Course for?

• Designed for individuals who want to promote mental health.
• Managers and supervisors seeking to support their team's mental well-being
• HR professionals aiming to implement mental health initiatives
• Employees looking to recognise and respond to mental health issues and drug addiction issues among colleagues
• Organisations striving to create a supportive and inclusive work environment

Why is the Mental Health First Aid course important?

The Mental Health First Aid Training course teaches how our mental well-being impacts our decision-making and progress in life. Particularly in the workplace, it is important to be aware of our mental triggers and how to stabilise them using emotional regulation. This is useful for employee productivity and overall job satisfaction. 

The Mental Health First Aid course will educate you on developing non-judgmental listening skills. It will give you the confidence to support someone experiencing mental health challenges, guiding them to further support resources for recovery.

Learning Objectives of Mental Health First Aid Course

This MHFA training teaches you to provide initial support until professional help is available. The course aims to educate you across many areas, including:

1. Recognising Mental Health Issues

Depression and Mood Disorders: Understanding symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep or appetite.

Anxiety Disorders: Recognising excessive worry, fear, or panic attacks that interfere with daily life.

Trauma: Identifying symptoms from past or recent traumatic experiences, including emotional and psychological distress.

Psychosis: Understanding symptoms like hallucinations or delusions.

Substance Use Disorders: Recognising signs of dependence or addiction to substances like alcohol or drugs, which can impact mental health.

2. Recovery and Resilience

Understanding Recovery: Emphasising the belief that recovery is possible and individuals can use their strengths to maintain mental well-being.

3. The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan

Assess for Risk of Suicide or Harm: Evaluating the immediate risk of self-harm or harm to others.

Listen Non-Judgmentally: Providing support by actively listening without criticism or bias.

Give Reassurance and Information: Offering comfort and providing accurate information about mental health and available resources.

Encourage Appropriate Professional Help: Promoting seeking assistance from qualified mental health professionals.

Encourage Self-Help and Support Strategies: Support individuals utilising self-care practices and community resources for ongoing support.

4. Emergency Management

Panic Attacks: Helping individuals manage sudden and intense feelings of fear or anxiety.

Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors: Responding to individuals experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide with care and urgency.

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: Assisting individuals who engage in self-harming behaviours without suicidal intent.

Acute Psychosis (e.g., Hallucinations or Delusions): Supporting individuals experiencing severe disturbances in thinking or perception.

Overdose or Withdrawal from Substances: Providing immediate aid and connecting individuals to medical assistance in cases of substance misuse emergencies.

Reaction to Traumatic Events: Helping individuals cope with the psychological impact of traumatic experiences, including immediate responses to trauma-related stress.

5. Practical Application

Practice skills through role plays, scenarios, and activities to confidently apply them in real-life situations. This hands-on approach enhances your readiness to support individuals in need effectively.

The MHFA Course Assessment & Certification

The Mental Health First Aid Training assessment format may include the following:

• Multiple-choice quizzes after each module.
• Practical demonstrations (for classroom training).
• Scenario-based assessments.

Learners will be awarded the Mental Health First Aid certificate, valid for three years.