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.
About this course
This course consists of three online sessions on the 21st, 22nd and 28th October 2025. You must attend all three sessions.
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.
Qualification structure
This qualification is regulated in the UK and awarded by First Aid Awards (FAA).
FAA are an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual and SQA Accreditation. The qualification sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
The qualification consists of one mandatory unit.
FAA LEVEL 2 AWARD IN FIRST AID FOR MENTAL HEALTH (RQF)
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 their training provider to discuss. Any reasonable adjustments granted must be in line with the FAA Reasonable Adjustments Policy.
However, due to this being a distance learning qualification and the level of unsupervised learning required, a learner must have the literacy skills to be able to read and self-learn the reference manual and additional resources.
At the end of the course, you will:
· Know what mental health is, why people develop mental health conditions and the role of a First Aider for mental health
· Know how to provide advice and practical support for a person presenting a mental health condition
· Know how to recognise and manage stress
· Know how to recognise a range of mental health conditions
· Understand the impact of substance abuse on mental health
· Understand the first aid action plan for mental health and be able to put it in place
· Know how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace.