Adult Mental Health First Aid Training

Workplace mental health continues to demand more than good intentions. Organisations are increasingly recognising that structured, evidence-based training is essential if staff are expected to respond confidently and appropriately to mental health challenges.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) equips participants to recognise early signs of distress, initiate supportive conversations and guide someone towards appropriate support using a clear action plan. It builds competence, not just awareness.

Learning Outcomes of MHFA Training

• Recognise the early signs and symptoms of common mental health challenges in adults, including anxiety, depression, stress and crisis states.

• Understand the factors that influence mental health and the impact of stigma on individuals and workplaces.

• Respond confidently and appropriately to someone experiencing a mental health issue using the recognised MHFA action plan.

• Start supportive, non-judgmental conversations about mental health and offer initial help until professional support is available.

• Identify when a situation is outside your level of competence and know how to guide someone towards appropriate sources of support.

• Practice skills through group activities and discussions to build confidence in real-world application.

• Appreciate personal, professional and organisational boundaries in mental health first aid scenarios.

• Apply strategies to look after your own wellbeing while supporting others.

• Increase awareness of evidence-based resources and services available for mental health support.

• Demonstrate improved confidence in recognising, responding to and referring mental health concerns in everyday and workplace contexts.

Benefits of Attending

• You develop the skills to spot early signs of poor mental health and intervene appropriately, before issues escalate.

• You build confidence to start supportive, non-judgmental conversations and use the MHFA action plan effectively.

• Completing the course gives you three years of certification as an MHFAider®.

• You gain access to the Association of Mental Health First Aiders®, joining a national community committed to better mental health.

• You receive ongoing support including the MHFAider Support App®, resources, webinars and exclusive learning opportunities to continue developing your skills.

• The training helps reduce stigma, improve mental health literacy, and contribute to healthier, more supportive environments in workplaces and communities.

• You get practical takeaways such as a workbook, digital manual and wallet-sized reference card to support your ongoing practice.

• Enhanced self-care awareness and confidence to signpost people to appropriate resources and professional support.

Takeaways

A copy of the workbook to support their learning throughout the course
A digital manual to refer to whenever they need it
A wallet-sized reference card

Reasons to attend the MHFA training

Feel free to contact us to answer any questions you might have.

Would you know what to say if someone opened up to you about their mental health?

Adult Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to spot early signs of mental health challenges, start supportive conversations and guide someone toward appropriate help. Life stresses, anxiety, depression and other issues affect individuals in all areas of life — at work, at home and in our communities. Learning evidence-based skills increases confidence to act when it matters, reduces stigma and makes you a more resilient, compassionate supporter. This accredited course builds understanding, practical skills and greater mental health awareness for everyday life.

Would a structured, expert-led training help you feel more confident supporting others?

This course is available online or face to face and is delivered across four structured sessions. Each session lasts up to 3 hours 45 minutes and can be completed within a two-week period, offering flexibility while maintaining depth and continuity.

You will take part in four live sessions led by an accredited MHFA England Instructor Member and Psychotherapeutic Counsellor. The training combines instructor-led teaching, guided group discussion, and practical individual and group exercises.

Each session builds progressively, strengthening knowledge, confidence and competence in applying the Mental Health First Aid action plan to real-world situations.

To ensure psychological safety and meaningful participation, group size is limited to 16 participants. We are committed to delivering learning that is accessible, inclusive and supportive throughout.

Could investing in mental health training strengthen retention, engagement and performance?

Mental Health First Aid training is valuable for employers because it helps you build a safer, more supportive workplace culture and address psychological wellbeing with the same seriousness as physical health. Accredited MHFA training equips staff to recognise early signs of mental distress, respond with confidence and compassion, and signpost colleagues to appropriate help, improving overall wellbeing and reducing stigma. Implementing MHFAiders supports strategic organisational goals by enhancing employee engagement, reducing absenteeism and presenteeism, and demonstrating a clear duty of care towards staff mental health, which aligns with best-practice workplace standards. Investing in mental health training can also deliver a strong return on investment by reducing the costs associated with poor mental health and supporting retention and performance.

What could it be costing your organisation — and your people — if mental health challenges go unsupported?

Behind every absence statistic is an individual managing stress, anxiety or burnout, often in silence. When mental health is not addressed early, the impact is felt not only in productivity and performance, but in morale, confidence and overall wellbeing. Supporting mental health is not just a business decision; it is a commitment to the people who sustain your organisation every day.

Work-related mental health issues have a major economic impact. Poor mental wellbeing is estimated to cost UK employers between £42 billion and £45 billion per year through sickness absence, presenteeism (working while unwell) and staff turnover. Investing in mental health interventions can deliver around £5 back for every £1 spent through improved productivity. (Mental Health Foundation)

In 2022/23, an estimated 875,000 UK workers suffered work-related stress, depression or anxiety, leading to 17.1 million working days lost. Mental health conditions are among the leading drivers of long-term sickness absence. (Mental Health Foundation)

Separate research suggests that work-related mental health issues now cost the UK economy around £57.4 billion annually, with almost 10 % of adults taking time off for mental health reasons in the past year. (mhfaengland.org)

These figures illustrate the scale of productivity loss and operational disruption poor mental health can cause for employers and the wider economy, strengthening the case for proactive training such as Mental Health First Aid. (Mental Health Foundation)

Psychotherapy, EMDR and Training with Matthew Barnard

Adult Mental Health First Aid Training

Learning Outcomes of MHFA Training

Benefits of Attending

Takeaways

Reasons to attend the MHFA training

Awesome CPD...probably the best I've had in my 23 year career! Thank you!

Sources

Psychotherapy, EMDR and Training with Matthew Barnard

Adult Mental Health First Aid Training

Learning Outcomes of MHFA Training

Benefits of Attending

Takeaways

Reasons to attend the MHFA training

Awesome CPD...probably the best I've had in my 23 year career! Thank you!

Sources

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