MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COURSE

Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire & Somerset

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course, designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill-health and provide help on a first aid basis.

In the same way as learning physical first aid, MHFA teaches people how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill-health and feel confident to guide someone to appropriate support.

Embedding MHFA training within any organisation or community also encourages people to talk more freely about mental health, reducing stigma and creating a more positive culture.

Course Aims

To enable trainees to gain a Mental Health First Aid (England) award in Adult - Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Spot the early signs of a possible mental health issue
Feel confident in how to offer and provide initial help to a person experiencing a mental health issue
Preserve life where a person may be at risk of harm to themselves or others
Help to stop mental health from getting worse and to give hope to someone who needs guidance
Promote recovery of good mental health
Guide someone towards appropriate treatment and other sources of help
Understand the stigma that exists around mental health
Provide help on a first aid basis

Course Dates

COURSE SYLLABUS

THE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COURSE COVERS THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS:

Session 1

Why Mental Health First Aid?
The Mental Health First Aid action plan
What is mental health?
Impact of mental health issues
Stigma and discrimination
What is depression?
Symptoms of depression
Risk factors for depression
Depression in the workplace

Session 2

Suicide figures
Alcohol, drugs and mental health
First aid for suicidal crisis
Non-judgemental listening skills
First aid for depression
Treatment and resources for depression
Self-care

Session 3

What is an anxiety disorder?
First aid for anxiety disorders
Crisis first aid after a traumatic event
Alcohol, drugs and anxiety disorders
Treatment and resources for anxiety disorders
Cognitive distortions and CBT
Personality disorders
Eating disorders
Self-harm

Session 4

What is psychosis?
Risk factors for psychosis
Alcohol, drugs and psychosis
Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder
Warning signs of developing psychosis
Crisis first aid for acute psychosis
Treatment and resources for psychosis
Recovery and building resources
Action planning for using MHFA

COURSE DURATION & CANDITDATES

SUITABLE CANDIDATES AND PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Course Duration

2 Days. (Min 8 people with a max of 16 people)

Suitable Candidates

This course is for trainees who require Adult Mental Health First Aid. It provides the skills, knowledge and understanding of first aid for mental health and how to effectively support those experiencing distress.

This course aims to empower both individuals in the workplace and communities to understand the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and how best to support themselves and those around them in recovery.

Pre-Course Requirements

Due to some of the sensitive subjects of the course, students should be aware that some people can find certain parts of the course difficult, although our instructors help everyone to feel safe and comfortable.