Mental Health First Aid Training

Course Overview

As of February 2024, the Health & Safety Executive has mandated that employers must consider the mental health of their staff when conducting First Aid assessments. With the rise in absenteeism due to poor mental health, responsible employers should ensure they have mental health first aiders available to provide first-level support and guide those experiencing poor mental health.

The MHFA course is designed to equip individuals with the skills and confidence needed to support others experiencing mental health issues, offering a structured and accredited training experience. Solutions Training boasts a team of experienced trainers with backgrounds in frontline NHS roles, bringing extensive experience in supporting individuals during mental health crises.

Its ok not to be ok!!

 

Upcoming course dates: Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th of April 2025 in Surrey – contact charlotte@solutionstraining.co.uk for more information

Solution

We offer a highly practical and interactive two-day mental health first aid training program, accredited by the CPD service. This program is designed to improve mental health literacy by equipping staff with the skills to recognise common mental health conditions and respond effectively. Attendees will learn to manage mental health issues through early intervention, active listening, and professional help. The course includes simulated crisis management with a trained actor, ensuring participants gain real-world experience. This training is far from a typical presentation—it's an immersive experience led by professionals with hands-on experience in dealing with mental health issues.

Our Mental Health First Aid Training Programme

The Mental Health First Aid training programme is a comprehensive and engaging course that covers a wide range of essential topics. Participants will delve into:

  • Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness: Gain a foundational understanding of what mental health and mental illness entail.
  • Identifying Signs and Symptoms: Learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions.
  • Providing Initial Support and Guidance: Acquire the skills to offer initial support and guidance to those in need.
  • Risk Factors and Warning Signs: Understand the risk factors and warning signs associated with mental health problems.
  • Creating a Supportive Environment: Learn how to foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
  • Signposting to Professional Help: Know how to direct individuals to appropriate professional help.

This programme is designed to be highly interactive, with a focus on real-life applications and practical skills, ensuring participants are well-prepared to handle mental health challenges in their environments.

Mental Health Literacy

Improved mental health literacy is a cornerstone of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment. Mental health literacy involves understanding the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses, knowing how to provide initial support, and understanding the importance of seeking professional help when necessary. By increasing mental health literacy, individuals and organisations can reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, making it easier for people to seek help early on.

The Mental health first aid course plays a pivotal role in enhancing mental health literacy by providing ongoing learning opportunities and practical knowledge. The MHFA course, in particular, is designed to offer a structured and supportive learning environment, helping participants to better understand and address mental health issues. Participants learn how to identify and address mental ill health, recognise the risk factors for various conditions, and encourage early intervention. This not only benefits those directly affected by mental illnesses but also strengthens the community as a whole, creating a culture where mental health is prioritised and openly discussed.

PGS at Weybridge Surrey have been loyal customers of ours for over 25 years. They chose us to be their preferred training partner to deliver fire warden, first aid, and mental health first aid training to their staff. The delegates that recently attended our new mental health first aid training programme praised the course as being unique and interactive – Watch this video to listen to what a course delegate from PGS had to say about it.

Mental Health First Aid Training Questions

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a transformative training program designed to equip individuals with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to mental health issues. This program empowers participants to provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health problem, such as anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.

While MHFA is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health treatment, it serves as a crucial first step in offering initial support and guidance until professional help can be accessed. By fostering a deeper understanding of mental health, MHFA helps create a more supportive and responsive environment for those in need.

What Are The Benefits of Mental Health First Aid Training?

Mental Health First Aid training offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond the individual to the entire organisation. These include:

  • Reducing Stigma: By increasing awareness and understanding, MHFA helps to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
  • Improving Mental Health Literacy: Participants gain a better understanding of mental health conditions, enabling them to recognise and respond to signs and symptoms effectively.
  • Boosting Confidence: The training instills confidence in individuals to address mental health issues, fostering a more supportive environment.
  • Enhancing Communication: Improved relationships and communication within teams and organisations are a direct result of MHFA training.
  • Reducing Absenteeism and Presenteeism: By addressing mental health issues early, organisations can reduce the impact of absenteeism and presenteeism, leading to a more productive workforce.
  • Providing Practical Skills: Participants acquire practical skills to support individuals facing mental health challenges, promoting early intervention and access to professional help.

These benefits collectively contribute to a healthier, more supportive workplace where mental health is prioritised.

How To Become a Mental Health First Aider?

Becoming a Mental Health First Aider involves completing a certified MHFA training course, typically spanning 2-3 days. This comprehensive course covers all the essential topics, providing participants with the knowledge and skills needed to offer initial support and guidance to individuals experiencing mental health issues.

Upon successful completion, individuals are certified as Mental Health First Aiders, equipped to make a significant difference in their communities by providing crucial support during mental health crises.

How To Create a Mentally Healthy Environment?

Creating a mentally healthy environment is vital for promoting mental wellbeing and reducing the risk of mental health problems. This can be achieved through several key strategies:

  • Promoting a Culture of Care and Support: Foster an environment where care and support are prioritised.
  • Encouraging Open Communication: Create a space where open and honest communication about mental health is encouraged.
  • Providing Access to Resources: Ensure that mental health resources and support are readily available.
  • Reducing Stigma: Actively work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
  • Encouraging Self-Care and Stress Management: Promote practices that support self-care and effective stress management.
  • Offering Training and Education: Provide ongoing training and education on mental health and wellbeing.

By implementing these strategies, organisations can create a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to manage their mental health and wellbeing effectively.

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Solutions Training & Advisory Ltd, Unit 3, Investment House, 28 Queens Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 9UT

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Mental Health First Aid Training

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