Adult Mental Health First Aid 2 Day Course

Recognising when a colleague is struggling can be the difference between someone getting the support they need and a problem going unnoticed, and the Adult Mental Health First Aid 2 Day Course has been developed specifically for workplace Mental Health First Aiders to build exactly that awareness. Delegates gain a thorough understanding of what mental health is and what can affect a person's wellbeing, alongside the practical skills to spot the signs of mental illness and step in with the right support when it's needed most.

The course starts with the fundamentals, covering topics such as what depression and anxiety disorders are, the difference between a mental health episode, crisis and condition, and the key attributes and responsibilities of a Mental Health First Aider. It then moves into greater depth on specific conditions, including psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, self-harm, stress and eating disorders, building the confidence to recognise distress and respond appropriately. Employers building a wider first aid capability within their team often pair this course with the First Aid at Work Course, since physical and mental first aid increasingly sit together as part of a genuinely comprehensive workplace safety net.

Please note that this course covers sensitive subject matter, including suicide and self-harm, which some delegates may find upsetting; anyone who feels overwhelmed is free to leave at any time, and colleagues should always be asked whether they'd feel comfortable attending before being booked onto the course. Pre-course reading materials and ID requirements are sent out after booking and should be reviewed in advance.

On completion, candidates will be able to:

• Gain a solid understanding of what mental health is
• Identify factors that can affect wellbeing
• Recognise the signs of mental illness and depression in the workplace
• Understand the impact of mental health issues
• Have the knowledge to carry out physical first aid procedures
• Understand the stigma and discrimination relating to mental health
• Be able to create a supportive mental health culture at work
• Feel confident in approaching someone in distress, to calmly reassure them
• Help someone returning to work, by implementing appropriate mental health support measures

This course covers a wide range of issues, starting with some of the basics, such as:

• What is depression?
• Mental health and the factors that affect it
• What is an anxiety disorder?
• What's the difference between a mental health episode, crisis and condition?
• Key attributes, roles and responsibilities of a Mental Health First Aider
• Current legislation around mental health

It will also look in-depth at a number of mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, PTSD, OCD, self-harm, stress and eating disorders. Delegates will learn to recognise the signs of someone in distress and how to offer appropriate support, alongside how to spot the difference between a medical emergency and an imminent threat to life, applying correct first aid procedures and carrying out a risk assessment.

At the end of the course, delegates need to pass the following assessments to gain the Level 3 Award in Mental Health: Workplace First Aider qualification. Delegates attending the course receive a certificate of attendance and are required to complete an online assessment to achieve the full qualification. Delegates receive information directly from Future Quals a few days after their face-to-face course, with system checks and an exam link. Once registered, delegates have 28 days to complete the assessment.

This is the ideal course for those who want to gain the skills to have non-judgemental conversations with colleagues and recognise the signs and symptoms of common workplace mental health issues. The aim is that candidates can identify a mental health issue and effectively guide a person towards the right help and support.

Please note, the course focuses on employees in the workplace and covers sensitive issues, which some people may find upsetting, including suicide and self-harm. Those who feel overwhelmed by the subject matter being discussed are free to leave the course at any time. Due to the sensitive subject matter, please do not book a colleague on this course without first asking them whether they would feel comfortable attending.

Pre-course reading materials will be sent through once a booking for the Adult Mental Health First Aid 2 Day Course is placed. Please read through before attending. Delegates are required to bring relevant ID, as outlined in the pre-course reading material.