Mental health first aid refresher

Every learner will be provided with the MHFAider Support App®:

Resource library of toolkits, guidance,
animations, and core mental health
concepts to support the role of an
MHFAider®

Signposting database through Hub of
Hope to find local and national mental
health services for additional support

Reminders for well-being check-ins
with people MHFAiders® are
supporting

Secure conversation logging for you to
make reflective notes to record and
reflect while protecting confidentiality. 

It is worth mentioning that the course also encourages self-care, giving people
the tools to look after their own
and others mental health. Promotes equity and
understanding around mental
health from different perspectives. Gives increased confidence to
have a supportive conversation
about mental health

Mental Health First Aid is not unlike physical first aid: help offered for someone suffering from ill health, in this case mental ill health. MHFA courses will also teach you to spot earlier signs and symptoms of common mental health problems, such as anxiety,  depression, schizophrenia, etc. With the knowledge and tools learned in the course, individuals will be able to to deliver mental health first aid before professional medical treatment is available. The aims of mental health first aid are to:

• Preserve life
• Prevent further harm
• Promote recovery
• Provide comfort to the person who suffers  

Please note that as a qualified Mental Health First Aider, or someone who has undertaken a Mental Health First Aid course, you will not be able to diagnose or treat, but you can identify symptoms of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, amongst other challenges, and encourage someone to seek professional help. These courses do not teach you to be a counsellor or therapist, but will empower you to react and signpost when someone in mental distress may need professional help.

Two day MHFA course – this is the most comprehensive training, and the ONLY one which qualifies you as a Mental Health First Aider.

On this course you will increase your knowledge around a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. You will learn some practical tools for supporting friends, family and co-workers. As a mental health first aider you will feel confident as a first responder in crisis situations and know how to guide someone towards appropriate support. You will receive a certificate on completion which does not have an expiry date. MHFA England recommend that you attend a refresher course every two – three years to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.

The one day course is recommended for those who want to create a mentally healthy environment in their workplace. It does not qualify you as a Mental Health First AIDER. 

MHFA One Day Champion course – On this MHFA Training you will learn about the most common mental health problems including how to identify when someone is experiencing mental distress.  You will feel more confident supporting others and you will know how to signpost appropriately. The one day mental health first course covers the  ALGEE action plan, and how to use it. This course is often recommended for line managers, supervisors, deputies. The course includes two sessions: Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health First Aid action plan

This half-day course is 4 hours in duration and raises awareness around Mental Health.

Mental Health Aware Half Day course –  This half day MHFA training  is a basic introduction to mental health, and why it is important. It introduces some common mental health challenges and discusses how to spot them. During this four hour course you will learn how to talk to someone who may be experiencing mental ill health, and feel more confident speaking about mental health with colleagues, friends or family. The course also will also equip you with some tools to look after your own mental health.The  Mental Health Awareness Training  includes such topics as Stigma, Depression, Anxiety Disorders etc. 

The MHFA Refresher course is designed for those who already hold a Mental Health First Aider certificate. 

MHFA England recommends to refresh your knowledge every 3 years.