Training Courses

Mental Health First Aid

Level 3 Award in Mental Health: Workplace First Aider (2 day)

Course Details

Course duration: 2 days

Course dates scheduled: You will find scheduled courses in our Course Dates list.

This two-day mental health first aid course qualifies delegates as Mental Health First Aiders. Delegates will be awarded the FutureQuals Level 3 Award in Mental Health: Workplace First Aider qualification, which will equip them with the knowledge to identify those who require mental health support and the confidence to offer assistance when required. This qualification is designed and delivered by St John Ambulance.

Course description

This qualification teaches delegates to be workplace Mental Health First Aiders, who will be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of common workplace mental health issues and know how to effectively guide a person towards the right mental health support.

On this course delegates will gain:

  • an in depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing
  • practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental illness
  • an understanding of how to perform some physical first aid as part of their response to mental illness
  • the confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
  • knowledge on how to implement reasonable mental health adjustments when an individual returns to work
  • the skills to create a positive mental health culture in the workplace.

Important pre-course information

Delegates must be registered with the qualification awarding body by 12pm on the day of the course. To do this we will ask you to fill our a short registration form on the day of the course.

Delegates must also bring the relevant ID to the course as outlined in the pre-course reading. This can be accessed through the link to our online learning hub that is provided in the joining instructions.

Pre-course reading will be required. This will be provided within the joining instructions upon booking.

Read our course FAQs here

Course duration

Two days.

Topics covered

  • What is mental health?
  • What is the difference between a mental health episode, crisis and condition?
  • What factors can affect our mental health?
  • The mental health continuum
  • Roles and responsibilities of a Mental health First Aider and Responder
  • Key attributes and behaviours of a Mental Health First Aider
  • Mental health action plan protocol (DR EFG)
  • How to support an individual (and their line manager) when returning to work after an absence due to poor mental health.
  • Physical first aid skills to be used in response to mental illness
  • How to carry out a risk assessment when supporting an individual
  • How to spot the difference between a medical emergency and an imminent threat to life (including how to identify which mental health conditions may be described as either) and what action to take
  • Recognising stress and how to support someone who may be experiencing stress
  • Recognising when someone is in crisis
  • Suicide continuum, risk factors, signs and symptoms
  • Recognising and understanding self-harm, eating disorders, PTSD & OCD
  • Psychosis - including delusions, thought disorder and hallucinations
  • Bipolar disorder
  • How to display empathy
  • Key skills to support an individual with poor mental health, including where to signpost them and how to have important wellbeing conversations
  • Overview of key legislation relevant to mental health
  • Exploring attitudes around mental health and how to create a positive culture in the workplace through influence and action planning

Who should attend?

This course is suitable for those looking to understand and improve their knowledge about mental health and to learn the skills to support their own and others' positive wellbeing in the workplace.

Please be aware that this course focuses on employees in the workplace and covers subjects that some people may find distressing, including suicide and self-harm. If a delegate feels overwhelmed, they can leave the course at any time.

However, if you feel in advance that this subject may be too distressing for the delegate, please do not book them on without first asking them whether they would feel comfortable attending. If the delegate is unsure whether this topic is suitable for them, please encourage them to contact us to discuss their concerns. For support with your mental health, please contact Samaritans on 116 123, or NHS 111.

Delegates must be 16 or older to attend this course.

Candidates need a basic command of English (defined as Level 2). While we are often able to provide support to people who do not have English as a first language, our ability to do so is limited by the time available and the number of people who require assistance. We may be able to make special arrangements if requested in advance. Please contact us if you need any guidance.

Booking for large numbers of delegates? Get in touch about our on-site training options.

Assessment and certification

Assessments

To be awarded the FutureQuals Level 3 qualification, all delegates must pass the below assessments:

  • Two multiple-choice question papers. Results will not be given during the course.

Certification

Subject to passing all assessments, delegates will be awarded the FutureQuals Level 3 Award in Mental Health: Workplace First Aider qualification, valid for three years.

Frequently asked questions about our 2-day Mental Health First Aid course

The pre-course reading covers some of the basic theory and should take no more than 30 minutes to complete.

By making this course a recognised Level 3 qualification, both delegates and employers can evidence the fact that they have the required and appropriate skills to deal effectively with mental health situations at work.

Delegates must bring one form of photographic ID with them to their course. As part of the requirements with our awarding body, we must verify your identity prior to you sitting any elements of the assessment. If we are unable to do this, you will be unable to undertake any of the assessments. Please bring one of the following:

  • Valid passport (any nationality)
  • Signed UK driving licence
  • Valid warrant card issued by HM forces or police
  • Photographic ID card eg. current employer ID, Student ID, Travel card ID
  • UK Biometric residence permit.

Your assessment results will be emailed to you within 7 days of completing the course.

You will be advised via email how to book a free resit. Resits will be held regularly in our venues and our customer services team can provide you with the location and dates of where you will be able to resit your assessment. Should you decide not to re-sit, you will not be awarded any certification. However, should you not pass the Level 3 element of assessment on a Mental Health First Aider course, but passed the Level 2 assessment, you can opt to be awarded the Level 2 certificate if you choose not to re-sit the Level 3.

Certificates can take up to 8 weeks to arrive from FutureQuals, the awarding body.

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Level 2 Award in Mental Health: Workplace Responder (1 day)

Course Details

Course duration: 1 day

This one-day mental health first aid course qualifies delegates as Mental Health Responders. Delegates will be awarded the FutureQuals Level 2 Award in Mental Health: Workplace Responder qualification, which gives them an understanding of mental health issues that can affect individuals at work. They'll also learn about key policies and best practice frameworks for managing mental health in the workplace. This qualification is designed and delivered by St John Ambulance.

Course description

This course qualifies delegates as Mental Health First Aid Responders, who will be able to use their knowledge of mental health conditions to promote positive attitudes towards mental health in the workplace. They'll also play a key role in supporting line managers that are assisting individuals who are returning to work after experiencing a mental illness.

The qualification is aimed at individuals who intend to take on the role of Mental Health Responder, but is also relevant to other employees and managers intending to develop their knowledge of mental health conditions.

Important pre-course information

Delegates must be registered with the qualification awarding body by 12pm on the day of the course. To do this we will ask you to fill our a short registration form on the day of the course.

Delegates must also bring the relevant ID to the course as outlined in the pre-course reading. This can be accessed through the link to our online learning hub that is provided in the joining instructions.

Pre-course reading will be required. This will be provided within the joining instructions upon booking.

Read our course FAQs here

Course duration

One day.

Topics covered

  • What is mental health
  • What is the difference between a mental health episode, crisis and condition?
  • Factors that affect our mental health
  • The mental health continuum
  • Roles and responsibilities of a Mental Health First Aid Responder
  • Mental health action plan protocol (DR EFG)
  • Active listening skills
  • How to show empathy
  • How to have a conversation about wellbeing
  • How to give immediate mental health support and where to signpost someone for additional support
  • Recognising stress
  • Anxiety and anxiety disorder
  • Recognising depression
  • Suicide continuum, signs and symptoms
  • How to recognise OCD, PTSD, eating disorders, self-harm, substance abuse and psychosis

Who should attend?

This course is for those looking to improve their knowledge of mental health conditions and to learn the skills to support their own and others’ wellbeing in the workplace.

Please be aware that this course focuses on employees in the workplace and covers subjects that some people may find distressing, including suicide and self-harm. If a delegate feels overwhelmed, they can leave the course at any time.

However, if you feel in advance that this subject may be too distressing for the delegate, please do not book them on without first asking them whether they would feel comfortable attending. If the delegate is unsure whether this topic is suitable for them, please encourage them to contact us to discuss their concerns.

For support with your mental health, please contact Samaritans on 116 123, or NHS 111.

You do not need any prior knowledge or training to attend, but an interest in the subject is strongly advisable.

Delegates must be 16 or older to attend this course.

Candidates need a basic command of English (defined as Level 2). While we are often able to provide support to people who do not have English as a first language, our ability to do so is limited by the time available and the number of people who require assistance. We may be able to make special arrangements if requested in advance. Please contact us if you need any guidance.

Booking for large numbers of delegates? Get in touch about our on-site training options.

Assessment and certification

Assessment

Assessment is carried out through a multiple-choice question paper.

Certification

Subject to passing the assessment, delegates will be awarded the FutureQuals Level 2 Award in Mental Health: Workplace Responder qualification. This qualification does not have a specific period of validity. However, as an evolving subject area, periodically retaking the qualification will help to ensure that individuals are working with the most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked question about our 1-day Mental Health First Aid course

The pre-course reading covers some of the basic theory and should take no more than 30 minutes to complete.

By making this course a recognised Level 2 qualification, both delegates and employers can evidence the fact that they have the required and appropriate skills to deal effectively with mental health situations at work.

Delegates must bring one form of photographic ID with them to their course. As part of the requirements with our awarding body, we must verify your identity prior to you sitting any elements of the assessment. If we are unable to do this, you will be unable to undertake any of the assessments. Please bring one of the following:

  • Valid passport (any nationality)
  • Signed UK driving licence
  • Valid warrant card issued by HM forces or police
  • Photographic ID card eg. current employer ID, Student ID, Travel card ID
  • UK Biometric residence permit.

Your assessment results will be emailed to you within 7 days of completing the course.

You will be advised via email how to book a free resit. Resits will be held regularly in our venues and our customer services team can provide you with the location and dates of where you will be able to resit your assessment. Should you decide not to re-sit, you will not be awarded any certification.

Certificates can take up to 4 weeks to arrive from FutureQuals, the awarding body.

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