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We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Mental ill health can strike at any time and can affect everyone.
Although things are improving, stigma still exists around mental ill health. As a society, we don't tend to know how to take care of our mental health like we do our physical health. This means that people may not know how to support a friend, family member or colleague experiencing a mental health issue, or where to go for help with their own mental health.
Mental Health First Aid is a training course which teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.
Our MHFA course won’t teach you to be a therapist, but it will teach you to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis – and even potentially stop a crisis from happening.
You’ll learn to recognise warning signs of mental ill health and develop the skills and confidence to approach and support someone while keeping yourself safe.
You’ll also learn how to empower someone to access the support they might need for recovery or successful management of symptoms. This could include self-help books or websites, accessing therapy services through their GP, their school or place of work, online self-referral, support groups, and more.
What’s more, you’ll gain an understanding of how to support positive wellbeing and tackle stigma in the world around you.
Mental Health First Aid does not stop with a single course. It is an ongoing journey of learning, experiences, and understanding.
By creating the largest dedicated community of Mental Health First Aiders® and a membership body, we can support Mental Health First Aiders long after they have completed their course.
You will be invited to join the Association of Mental Health First Aiders®, England’s first and only membership body for Mental Health First Aiders. By joining the largest community of its kind, you will be empowered to carry out your role with confidence, skill, and care.
Find out more
We strive to create courses and resources that everyone can access. When you book onto a course through the MHFA England website, please fill in the ‘Accessibility requirements’ section of the booking form and tell us what you need to access the course venue and materials.
Visit our accessibility page for more information.
Take a look at our selection of free downloadable resources for supporting mental health including film clips, interactive tools, guidance for line managers, and more. See resources.
