What To Expect At Mental Health First Aid Training
So you’ve signed up for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and now you’re wondering what the course entails? Or maybe you’re looking at what the course includes before you sign up?
Either way, we’ve put together the answers to a few commonly asked questions to give you an insight into what to expect at Mental Health First Aid training.
What Is Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental health first aid training is a course that aims to give you, the participant, the knowledge, skills and confidence to spot and respond to mental health issues in the workplace and listen and signpost. By the end of the training, you’ll be a Mental Health First Aider.
What Will The Course Cover?
Here at Red Umbrella, we offer two types of MHFA training. The very popular MHFA England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland courses and the OFQUAL accredited Qualsafe courses.
Whilst most courses will cover similar themes, each course is often tailored differently, so it’s important to decide carefully which training course is best for you and your team.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in the Workplace Ofqual Accredited Training
Accredited by England’s Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (OFQUAL). This is an intense two-day course designed for those interested in raising awareness of mental health issues in the workplace and developing skills to support their colleagues. This accredited course is internationally recognised.
Throughout this course, you’ll learn about identifying common mental health conditions, the importance of managing your own wellbeing as a Mental Health First Aider, examples of best practices for responding to mental health issues in the workplace, and how to support your colleagues at work.
This training is equivalent to an A-level or Level 3 qualification and is ideal for Mental Health Champions/First Aiders, Human Resources, and those in leadership positions such as Managers, Supervisors and Team Leaders.
Mental Health First Aid MHFA England Training
This is our most popular training and during this course, you’ll learn about mental health issues in the workplace, including:
An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing.
Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues.
Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress.
Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening.
Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support – whether that’s self-help resources, through their employer, the NHS, or a mix.
This training is run by our team of MHFA England Independent experts who deliver this 2 day training.
Learn more about the different courses we offer here.
How Long Will The MFHA Training Course Take?
MHFA England courses are either 2 days for the Mental Health First Aider course or there is also a 1-day champions course.
Who Else Will Be At The MHFA Training?
During the training course, you’ll be grouped with a minimum of 6 people and a maximum of 16, these people will be your fellow colleagues, to ensure a focused and engaged learning experience in a safe and supportive atmosphere for yourself and the other delegates in your group. The course also receives great feedback for team building and bonding.
As well as the other participants who are on the same journey as you, you’ll be joined by a team of qualified experts in mental health first aid. Our trainers use a range of teaching techniques and formats for an engaging learning experience. Our trainers all have national train the trainer experience and many years of covering these courses.
Is The Training COVID Safe?
The sessions usually take place face-to-face, however, during Covid, we are able to offer training online. Our online training is covered over 4 half-days to avoid virtual meeting fatigue.
What Happens After The Training is Finished?
Following the training, you will receive 1-year aftercare and support package from Red Umbrella to ensure that as a newly trained MHFAider you’re supported in your new role.
You’ll have access to Red Umbrella’s instructors for any advice and you can even receive 1-2-1 support from our therapists, and you’ll have access to or MHFAider webinars and more, Red Umbrella is the only provider that includes this vital aftercare in the basic cost of the training.
To further support MHFAiders, Red Umbrella also offers companies the opportunity to anonymously track the engagement between their staff and the MHFAs to see how often a member of staff is being supported by an MHFA.
This system is designed to flag if an MHFA requires additional support or an indication that the company may need more MFHAs, the system also offers feedback on any additional areas for improvement, such as the involvement of line managers or leadership teams.
