Introduction

A common issue in our industry is that we are only aware of mental health-related issues in others when they are already suffering. This scenario can be a challenging and sensitive situation to resolve. But mental health affects everyone at some stage. With more transparency and acceptance on the subject than ever, there is no better time than now to instil positive mental health into your workforce. 

Research from the mental health charity Mind found that one in four people will experience a mental health problem each year in England. According to Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA), poor mental health costs UK employers up to £45 billion each. But, a further study by Deloitte found that for every one pound employers spend on mental health provisions, they see five pounds ROI in the reduced absence and staff turnover. So, while company mental health provision must not prioritise commercial gain over wellbeing, increasing confidence in this topic makes an organisation more likely to attract and retain a healthy and engaged workforce - and the benefits of a happier, healthier workforce are clear to see.

This MHFA certification gives delegates an understanding of mental health and resilience, workplace situations and how to handle them effectively and sensitively. They will learn how to build a welcoming and approachable culture and specific processes within the business to reduce the stigma around Mental Health. In addition, the training will teach delegates how to flag issues before they become problems and have productive, legal, and positive conversations with workers signed off work for mental health-related problems. 

Course Outline

Theory-based exercises and tutorials take delegates through the procedures and legislation in Mental Health First Aid. Split into four sessions, each session is built around a Mental Health First Aid action plan and involves a mix of group activities, presentations and discussions. Delegates will have the opportunity to discuss different scenarios within a group setting and draw upon their own experiences.

The course reflects national standards and industry best practices and is fully accredited in line with MHFA.

Occupationally experienced and qualified trainers coach delegates on this course, completing the session with a theoretical assessment. Full attendance is required to qualify for the MHFA textbook and MHFA certificate, confirming they are an accredited Mental Health First Aider. 

Course Programme

This course is specific to mental health in adults and aimed at Managers and those with responsibilities for the productivity and well-being of others, such as Human Resources, Health & Safety teams, Senior Management, Line Managers or Site Managers. Delegates will review legal requirements, ensure safety compliance, and understand procedures and appropriate documentation and classifications.

The course content includes:

 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
• Understanding the symptoms and factors involved with depression

Session 2

• Suicide figures and associated first aid
• Alcohol, drugs and mental health
• First aid and resources for depression
• Non-judgemental listening skills
• Self-care, what it means and how to promote it

Session 3

• Understanding anxiety and associated first aid, including crisis first aid
• Alcohol, drugs and anxiety disorders
• Cognitive distortions and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Personality disorders
• Eating disorders
• Self-harm - identifying it and appropriate action

Session 4

• Understanding psychosis, risk factors and associated first aid and resources
• Alcohol, drugs and psychosis
• Schizophrenia - understanding and managing the challenges and risk it presents
• Bipolar Disorder - showing consideration, understanding and appropriate condition management
• Recovery and building resources
• Action planning for using MHFA

Delegates will also have the opportunity to talk through case studies, equipping them with the skills to have difficult conversations around sensitive topics and how to make reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

On Completion

At the end of the training, successful delegates will:

• Have a deeper understanding of the issues that impact and relate to people’s mental health
• Apply practical skills and spot the signs and symptoms of mental health issues
• Feel confident guiding people towards appropriate support
• Be confident to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
• Have enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening

We measure delegate confidence in mental health before and after the course. If you require this information, we can send it on.

All delegates will receive a comprehensive MHFA textbook and MHFA certificate confirming they are accredited Mental Health First Aiders.

Who Should Attend?

This two-day mental health first aid workshop is designed specifically for those with responsibilities for the productivity and well-being of others, e.g. HR staff, H&S teams, Senior Management, Line Managers or Site Managers. At the end of the course, delegates will be qualified as Mental Health First Aiders.

Delegates will complete a range of group and individual activities throughout the course, with each session built around a Mental Health First Aid action plan. Learning this way helps to embed their learning and ensure they understand the practical application of that knowledge.

Course Duration

The two-day Mental Health First Aid course qualifies you as Mental Health First Aider. By teaching how to spot symptoms and signs of ill mental health, delegates will feel more confident approaching and supporting someone in need while keeping themselves safe.  

Why Citrus?

We dedicate our efforts to unrivalled quality and the customer experience at Citrus Training. As a result, we are the leading UK-based provider of health, safety and technical training and assessment services to the Built Environment and Utility sectors. 

Our occupationally experienced First Aid educators have successfully trained over 25,000 delegates across the First Aid and Wellbeing training category - delivering courses at nationwide  training centres and offering the very best of training standards and quality assurance. 

We have open courses for the two-day and refresher training or dedicated programmes at our venue or yours for all three courses. Whatever you need, our training services help bring together the optimum mix of solutions to ensure you can apply the hierarchy of risk control most effectively. 

Things You Need to Know

MHFA England is the only accredited body in England, so they accredit all our mental health training to meet standards and regulations.

Delegates can take an online course or face-to-face. Regardless of which option is taken, they will receive the same certificate.

For training held at your location, please ensure that the classroom you make available has a power supply and is a suitable size for the number of delegates attending.