The impact of mental illness in the workplace is significant, affecting both employee well-being and company performance:
- Stress, anxiety and depression are the biggest causes of sickness absence in our society.
- Mental ill health is responsible for 91 million working days lost every year.
- The Centre for Mental Health estimates that mental ill health costs UK employers £34.9 billion each year.
However, simple steps to improve the management of mental health in the workplace will allow employers to better support their employees whilst also saving 30% or more on mental illness-related costs.
Below is an overview of what will be covered in each session of this course:
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 material
- Lunch and refreshments throughout the day
- Note pad, pen and polos
- Free on-site parking
- Free WiFi
Everyone who completes the course gets:
- A certificate of attendance to say they are a Mental Health First Aider
- A manual to refer to whenever they need it
- A quick reference card for the Mental Health First Aid action plan
- A workbook including a helpful toolkit to support their own mental health
The MHFA England qualification is a RSPH Level 3 Award.
Once you’ve trained as an Mental Health First Aider with MHFA England, you will be certified for three years.
You will be invited to become a member of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders® – making sure you have everything you need to feel confident when supporting others. You will get exclusive access to a range of resources, ongoing learning, and 24/7 digital support, to give you the tools and knowledge you need to carry out the role effectively and confidently, whether that be in your workplace, a volunteer role, or in the community. These resources are designed to support you in your role but also to empower you to raise awareness and combat mental health stigma.
Every three years you will be encourage to take an MHFA Refresher course to retain your membership and refresh your knowledge.
The course runs from 9am through to 5pm.
This course will be conducted in person.
You will learn in a relaxed environment with a small group of people. A specialist tutor will guide and encourage you through all the learning necessary to develop your skills and questions are always welcome.
We provide:
- Full course material
- MHFA certificate
- Lunch and refreshments
- Free on-site parking
- Notepad, pen and Polos
- Free WiFi
Our Norwich on-site parking (NR3 1UB) is free and situated 5 minutes walk along the river to our training centre at St James Mill. If you arrive by train, it is about 20 minutes on the Riverside walk or a short taxi ride to get to us. View full directions for Norwich and all our other venues.
What do mental health first aiders do?
Mental Health First Aiders are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues and provide initial support. They are there to listen, reassure and provide guidance that can help someone access the right support.
How many mental health first aiders should a company have?
While there's no legal requirement for specific numbers of mental health first aiders, the recommended approach is to aim for a ratio of one mental health first aider for every 10 employees. Some organisations suggest matching the number of mental health first aiders to the number of physical first aiders, ensuring a comparable level of support for both physical and mental health needs.
Why become a mental health first aider?
Becoming a Mental Health First Aider equips you with the knowledge and confidence to support someone experiencing mental distress, helping promote a healthier, more compassionate workplace culture. You’ll learn important skills to help others as well as your own mental health.
How effective are mental health first aid courses?
Mental Health First Aid courses are effective at breaking down stigma and raising awareness around mental illness, helping employees feel more supported in the workplace.
Does an employer’s duty of care include mental health?
Employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe working environment for their employees. This includes taking reasonable steps to prevent any physical or mental harm that could occur as a result of workplace conditions or practices.
What are the benefits of learning a course at one of our training centres?
Some of the benefits of visiting one of our excellent training facilities include:
- A distraction-free learning environment
- Engage and learn more from your trainer and other participants
- Network with other attendees
- Structured schedule ensuring course completion in a set timeframe
