Mental Health First Aid
Our mental health first aid training gives care staff the confidence to recognise mental health conditions, respond safely in a crisis and signpost people to the right support. It follows current NICE guidance and UK legislation. Delivered on-site by our experienced trainers.
About the course
Recognise, respond and signpost with confidence
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Explain what mental health is, and the impact of stigma on help-seeking
- Identify the key legislation governing mental capacity, detention and equality
- Apply the ALGEE action plan to a mental health first aid situation
- Recognise the symptoms of common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder
- Respond safely and calmly to someone experiencing psychosis
- Recognise and respond appropriately to disclosures of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Apply Psychological First Aid principles after a traumatic event
- Understand safeguarding, confidentiality and self-care responsibilities as a first aider
What you’ll cover
Full course content
Everything the course covers, exactly as our trainers deliver it:
Part 1a. About Mental Health I
- History of mental health
- What is mental health?
- Why don’t people talk about mental health?
- The negative effects of not talking about mental health
Part 1b. About Mental Health II
- Men and mental health
- Facts and statistics
- Appropriate language
- The mental health continuum
Part 2a. Legislation I
- Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA)
- Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 (AWI)
- Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS)
- Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Health Act 2025
Part 2b. Legislation II
- Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- Equality Act 2010
- Human Rights Act 1998
Part 3. The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
- A framework for helping
Part 4. What Causes Mental Health Conditions?
- Causes
- Genetic factors
- Physical factors
- Psychological factors
- Social and environmental factors
Part 5a. Types of Mental Illness I
- Common types of mental health conditions
- Depression
- Supporting people with depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Addiction
Part 5b. Types of Mental Illness II
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- First aid for an anxiety or panic attack
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Personality disorders
Part 6. Psychosis and Schizophrenia
- What is psychosis?
- Causes and diagnosis of psychosis
- What is schizophrenia?
- First aid for psychosis
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID — COURSE OUTLINE
Continued
Part 7a. Mental Health in Older Age I
- Mental health in the elderly
- Triggers in older age
- Common mental health conditions in older age
- Dementia and depression
Part 7b. Mental Health in Older Age II
- Insomnia in older age
- Suicide and end of life
- Delirium and dementia — spotting the difference
Part 8. Alcohol and Drugs
- The effect of alcohol and drugs on mental health
- Commonly used substances
- Alcohol guidelines and getting help
Part 9. Self-Harm
- What is self-harm?
- Why people self-harm
- Responding to self-harm
- Encouraging alternatives to self-harm
Part 10. Suicide
- Why people take their own lives
- Warning signs
- How to help
- Urgent situations and safety planning
- Seeking professional help and emergency situations
- Supporting someone bereaved by suicide
Part 11. Crisis First Aid After a Traumatic Event
- Traumatic events
- First priorities
- Talking to someone who has experienced trauma
- Ongoing support and professional help
- Looking after your own mental health
Part 12. Additional Topics for Comprehensive Practice
- Perinatal mental health
- Safeguarding and confidentiality
- Digital wellbeing and online harms
- Self-care for the first aider
- Inclusion and cultural competence
- Loneliness and social isolation
Part 13. Roles, Responsibilities and Useful Organisations
- Roles and responsibilities of a carer
- Roles and responsibilities of a manager
- Remember
- Signpost to useful organisations
- Recording and documentation
Keep exploring
Related mental health courses
These subjects sit naturally alongside this course — and we can combine courses into one visit.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is the training delivered?
All of our training is delivered on-site at your service, anywhere in the UK — we come to you, so there are no travel costs or venue hire for your team. This course is theory-based, so we can also deliver it virtually over Zoom if that suits your team better.
How long is the Mental Health First Aid course?
It runs as a 2-day – 12 hours course, delivered in one visit unless stated otherwise.
How many delegates can attend?
Up to 15 delegates per session.
Do delegates receive a certificate?
Yes — every delegate receives a certificate on completion. Certificates are valid for 1 year, so plan refresher training before they expire.
How much does the course cost?
We price every course on application, based on your dates, location and delegate numbers. Use the contact buttons below — we reply quickly with a quote.
Can we combine courses into one visit?
Yes. Many clients build a full training day from shorter courses, and we can deliver several subjects in one visit — just tell us what your team needs.
Do you only train care providers?
No. This course suits offices & workplaces, care settings, schools & colleges, charities, public sector. If your sector isn’t listed, ask — we’ll tailor the course to your setting.
Book this course
We bring Mental Health First Aid training to your service
Delivered on-site at your service, nationwide, with pricing on application. Tell us your dates and delegate numbers and we’ll reply quickly with a quote.
Part of our mental health training range. Also explore behaviour management training and neurological training.