- MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER
Overview: A Mental Health First Aider Course typically covers recognising symptoms of mental ill-health, providing initial support, active listening and directing individuals to professional help. Key topics include, depression, anxiety, suicide, psychosis, self-harm and substance abuse. The training emphasises a structured action plan, confidentiality, and self-care for the first aider.
What you'll learn: Introduction to Mental Health: Definition of mental health, stigma, and the role of a first aider.
- Mental Health Conditions: Understanding, identifying, and responding to signs of:
- Depression.
- Anxiety disorders.
- Suicide and crisis situations.
- Psychosis.
- Self-harm.
- Eating disorders.
- Substance misuse.
- Action Plan (ALGEE or similar):
- Approach the person, assess, and assist with any crisis.
- Listen and communicate non-judgmentally.
- Give support and information.
- Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help.
- Encourage other supports.
- Support Skills: Active listening, empathy, and effective communication techniques.
- Safety & Boundaries: Confidentiality, safeguarding, and knowing when to escalate to emergency services.
- Workplace/Specific Focus: Creating a positive mental health culture, managing stress, and applying skills in specific environments.
- Self-Care: Techniques for maintaining personal mental wellbeing.
How it’s delivered: The course is led by one of our Expert Mental Health First Aid Instructors who will use a variety of videos, demonstrations and presentations throughout the course. The course is delivered in English.
Duration: A 2-day course.
Certification: Upon successful completion of the course students will be presented with a certificate valid for 3 years. After the three-year certification period, students are required to undertake the course again to maintain the qualification.
Prerequisites: None, but this can be a challenging course with emotive topics.