First Aid for Mental Health

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 and understand the impact of substance abuse.

They will learn about the first aid action plan for mental health, be able to put it in place and know 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.

This certificate is a stand alone qualification and also counts towards the Equi-Scotia ACCPH Accredited Certificate in Therapeutic Groundwork.

Learning Outcomes include:-

1. Know what mental health is, why people develop mental health conditions and the role of a First Aider for mental health

2. Know how to provide advice and practical support for a person presenting a mental health condition

3. Know how to recognise and manage stress

4. Know how to recognise a range of mental health conditions

5. Understand the impact of substance abuse on mental health

6. Understand the first aid action plan for mental health and be able to put it in place

7. Know how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace

COURSE SYLLABUS

A range of First Aid for Mental Health related subjects are covered including:

• What is First Aid for Mental Health?

• Identifying mental health conditions

• Providing advice and starting a conversation

• Stress

• Mental health conditions

• Drugs and alcohol

• First Aid for Mental Health action plan

• First Aid for Mental Health in the workplace

Entry requirements

The qualification is available to learners aged 14 or over.

It may be possible to allocate a reasonable adjustment to a learner who has a disability, medical condition or learning need; learners should contact [email protected] for a copy of the Reasonable Adjustments Policy.

Qualification duration

The qualification has 7 hours total qualification time (TQT).

It is beneficial for the learner to undertake additional independent learning using the online resources provided. The qualification is valid for 3 years.

Assessment & Quality Assurance

A one to one oral assessment lasting around 30 minutes must take place within 3 weeks of the course starting. Upon successful completion of the assessment an Ofqual/SQA certificate is awarded. Learners are required to complete a registration form and produce photo ID for quality assurance purposes.

A full specification for the qualification can be obtained by emailing [email protected]