Mental Health First Aid
Train staff to spot the signs of poor mental health and respond with confidence — from everyday conversations to crisis first aid for self-harm, suicide risk and traumatic events.
About the course
First aid for minds, not just bodies
Mental Health First Aid gives your team the understanding and the practical responses to support colleagues and the people they care for. Day one builds a solid foundation in mental health conditions and the law; day two focuses on responding — to substance misuse, self-harm, suicidal crisis and traumatic events — and on looking after yourself while you help others.
What you’ll cover
Full course content
Two days: understanding mental health first, then responding to crisis situations safely and supportively.
Day 1 — About Mental Health
- History of mental health and appropriate language
- What is mental health?
- Talking about mental health
- Men and mental health
Day 1 — Legislation
- Incapacity Acts
- Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
- Mental Health Act (MHA)
- Health & Safety at Work Act
- Equality Act
Day 1 — Causes and Conditions
- Genetic, physical, psychological, social and environmental factors
- Depression, bipolar disorder and addiction
- Eating disorders and anxiety disorders
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Personality disorders
- First aid for each condition
Day 1 — Psychosis and Schizophrenia
- What is psychosis?
- Causes of psychosis
- What is schizophrenia?
- First aid
Day 2 — Alcohol and Drugs
- The effects of alcohol and drugs on mental health
- Cannabis, alcohol and new psychoactive substances
- Amphetamines, tranquilisers, cocaine, ecstasy and heroin
Day 2 — Self-Harm
- Why people self-harm
- What to do if you suspect or discover self-harm
- How to help a person engaging in non-suicidal self-harm
Day 2 — Suicide
- Why people take their own lives
- Warning signs and how to help
- Urgent situations and seeking professional help
- Looking after yourself
Day 2 — Traumatic Events
- First priorities and crisis first aid
- Talking to the traumatised
- Ongoing support and professional help
Day 2 — Roles and Responsibilities
- Roles and responsibilities of a carer
- Roles and responsibilities of a manager
- Signposting to useful organisations
Keep exploring
Related first aid courses
Not sure this is the right level? These courses cover the same ground at different depths — and we can combine courses into one visit.
Book this course
We bring Mental Health First Aid training to your setting
Delivered on-site at your workplace or setting, nationwide, with pricing on application. Tell us your dates and delegate numbers and we’ll reply quickly with a quote.
Part of our first aid range. Also explore mandatory training and clinical training.