Mental health first aid - Level 1

FAA LEVEL 1 AWARD IN AWARENESS OF FIRST AID FOR MENTAL HEALTH (RQF)

 

Each year approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition and at least 1 in 6 employees experience common mental health problems in the workplace. Research has shown that work is the biggest cause of stress which can stop people performing at their best.

Mental health conditions are often hidden due to stigma and fear of discrimination and research has shown that a culture of fear and silence around mental health is costly to employers.

The Health and Safety Executive(HSE) guidance 'First aid needs assessment’ refers to mental health in the workplace.

This qualification provides learners with the knowledge to recognise a range of mental health conditions, how to start a supportive conversation and when and how to signpost a person to seek appropriate professional help.

Learners will know how to recognise and manage stress.

Learners will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions as this can only be carried out by healthcare professionals but will gain the knowledge to identify when a person may have a condition and know where they can go and get help.

 

This one day course is ideal for all employees to give them a better understanding of mental health in the workplace.

Course Content

An understanding of common mental health issues

Knowledge and confidence to advocate for mental health awareness

Ability to spot signs of mental ill health

Skills to support positive wellbeing

 

Topics covered

About Mental Health First Aid

About mental health and stress in the workplace

Stigma and discrimination

Depression

Anxiety disorders

Other mental health issues (eating disorders, self-harm, psychosis)

Early warning signs of mental ill health

Alcohol, drugs and mental health

FAA LEVEL 3 AWARD IN SUPERVISING FIRST AID FOR MENTAL HEALTH (RQF)

 

This 12-hour qualification provides learners with the knowledge to recognise a wide range of mental health conditions and learn about the support/therapy provided by professional healthcare providers.

They will know how to start a supportive conversation and when and how to signpost a person to seek appropriate professional help. Learners will recognise and manage stress and understand the impact of substance abuse.

Learners will learn about the first aid action plan for mental health, be able to put it in place and understand how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace.

Learners will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions as this can only be carried out by healthcare professionals but will gain the knowledge to identify when a person may have a condition and know where they can go to get help.

Topics covered -

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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