How to gain Mental Health First Aid Certification

Looking to gain a certificate in First Aid for Mental Health (FA4MH)? In this overview, we’ll go over how to obtain a certificate and what a FA4MH qualification actually allows you to do. But firstly, let’s cover some basics. If you’re already familiar with the terms, you can skip over the next bit.

What is First Aid for Mental Health?

Perhaps you’ve been directed to look for a mental health course for work or you’re looking to upskill yourself or employees within your workplace and want to know a little more about the subject…

Mental Health training is a movement that has been adopted by organisations around the world in over 26 countries, with more than 4 million trainees to date. Its purpose is to treat mental health in the same way as physical health, by training people to recognise, respond and signpost people suffering from ill mental health so that they are able to seek proper treatment. 

Unfortunately, mental health isn’t as closely regulated as physical health and currently not mandatory within a workplace. This means there aren’t government-recognised institutions that regulate the standards. First Aid for Mental Health, however, is a nationally recognised qualification awarded by the Office of Qualifications and lead resource in Mental Health First Aid training. The course content is developed alongside the ever-changing environment around us and provides up-to-date research and processes.

Completing a FA4MH course through a recognised first aid trainer (like myself) qualifies you to advertise yourself, or your workplace, as FA4MH certified. The skills you’ll learn in this training program go on to help your entire team and HR department, creating better systems for helping and recognising employees in crisis, as well as increasing awareness around mental illness.

But enough about the benefits — what’s actually involved?

FA4MH Training

Your training will be held over a one or two-day period depending on which level you require and sessions are face-to-face or online. At the end of the course, you’ll complete a written assessment which is graded between level 1 and level 3 (or 5 in Scotland), 

Your training will cover specific workplace scenarios surrounding mental health, as well as treating individual signs and symptoms including recognising and approaching someone with;

• Depression
• Suicide
• Psychosis
• Anxiety
• Self-harm
• Eating disorders

You’ll also cover your role and responsibilities as a First Aider for Mental Health. Note that this course is more like a crash CPR course for the mind — you won’t be expected to diagnose or treat those with mental health issues. Rather, you’ll learn how to spot certain symptoms and build the confidence to approach and talk to others about complex personal issues.

Choosing your specific training.

Depending on who you decide to complete your training with, there are a few different training options, specific to your target demographic. At Training Legs, we offer three varied courses;

• Awareness Of First Aid For Mental Health FAA Level 1 (4-Hour). This course is designed as an overview and covers how to recognise a range of mental health conditions, as well as your role as a First Aider for Mental Health in supporting professional healthcare providers. As a course, it’s particularly suited to the general public or as part of your work’s mental health awareness program.
• First Aid For Mental Health. This is a more involved program that lasts a full day and covers the topics in the level 1 course in much greater detail and includes the CARE action plan for someone in Crisis.
• Supervising First Aid For Mental Health. This final course is again much more detailed and is suited for HR, managers, and employers who handle staff. It’s also a great way to dip your toe into FA4MH if you’re thinking about offering a training program yourself. A greater number of conditions and topics are covered, including your specific role as a supervisor for the mental well-being of others.

Refresher training.

Mental health is a relatively new and enterprising field that continues to develop yearly. While requalification is not a requirement, it’s generally recommended that you take a refresher session annually, to keep up to date with FA4MH practices or to introduce the program to new team members.

Do you need the certificate?

If you’re just looking for information about mental health, then the certificate isn’t a necessity. You can always opt to not complete the final written assessment and just sit in on the courses themselves. However, being able to promote your workplace, and yourself, as a First Aider for Mental Health is a fantastic accomplishment, and so we always recommend you complete all of the course. 

Promoting FA4MH in the workplace.

FA4MH in the workplace can bring about big change and a cultural shift within your organisation. With a cross-section of First Aiders for Mental Health from reception staff all the way up to senior management you can create a really positive and approachable team. They then become the designated mental health expert that team members can speak to, reducing the stigma around bringing up personal issues at work.

Booking a FA4MH course. 

To book a First Aid for Mental Health course, visit our website; https://www.traininglegsfirstaid.co.uk.

Sources:

Mental Health First Aid. Date Accessed: 18th January, 2023. Site Link: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/.