University of Chester Higher Education MHFA pilot study

This study by the University of Chester into the Higher Education MHFA One Day pilot course set out to address the question: Can an MHFA course designed for higher education improve knowledge and confidence within a university in relation to a variety of mental health issues?

173 staff and 17 students from 16 universities who self-selected to attend the MHFA course took a questionnaire before and after the course. In 72% of respondents, completing the course significantly increased their understanding of mental health as well as their confidence in being able to help those with signs of mental ill health.

The study concluded that the Higher Education MHFA course is "a positive way forward in developing good practice specifically within Higher Education".

Cregan, K., Phipps, D. & Lowndes, J. University of Chester. 2016: HE Mental Health First Aid training course. Submitted for publication. Summary available at healthyuniversities.ac.uk