Mental health first aid
MHFA
Accredited Mental Health First Aid Training for the Workplace
Course: MHFA
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training programme that equips employees with the skills to recognise, respond to and support colleagues experiencing mental health challenges.
Delivered over two days by an accredited MHFA England Instructor Member, the course develops confident Mental Health First Aiders who can provide early support, start supportive conversations and guide people towards appropriate professional help.
MHFAiders play a valuable role within organisations — helping to reduce stigma, increase awareness and ensure people receive support at the earliest opportunity.
Course Format
The MHFA course includes approximately 14 hours of training, delivered by:
- Face-to-face across two days, or
- Online across four live instructor-led sessions
Training is highly interactive and includes group discussions, practical exercises and real-life scenarios.
To ensure a safe and supportive learning environment, courses are limited to 16 participants per cohort.
Why Organisations Invest in MHFA
Mental health challenges affect every workplace. Without the right knowledge and confidence, employees may not recognise the signs or know how to respond.
Mental Health First Aid training helps organisations:
- Build confidence in supporting colleagues experiencing mental health difficulties
- Encourage earlier conversations and early intervention
- Reduce stigma around mental health in the workplace
- Strengthen psychological safety across teams
- Create a network of trained peer supporters
For many organisations, MHFA forms a key part of a wider workplace mental health strategy.
What Participants Learn
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Recognise the signs that someone may be experiencing poor mental health
- Start supportive conversations with confidence
- Practise active listening and empathy
- Understand the role and boundaries of a Mental Health First Aider
- Encourage individuals to access appropriate professional help and support
- Apply the MHFA action plan to provide first-level support
Certification and Ongoing Support
Participants who complete the course become certified Mental Health First Aiders for three years.
MHFAiders gain access to a range of resources and ongoing support through MHFA England, including:
- The MHFAider Support App with 24/7 text support and signposting tools
- The MHFA England Online Learning Hub
- Ongoing learning resources and webinars
- Membership of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders
These resources help MHFAiders continue developing their skills and confidence long after the training has finished.
Keeping Skills up to date
MHFA England recommends that Mental Health First Aiders refresh their knowledge every three years to maintain confidence and stay up to date with best practice.
We offer the MHFA Refresher course, designed for existing MHFAiders who want to update their skills and continue providing effective support.
Ready to Develop Mental Health First Aiders in Your Organisation?
MHFA training can be delivered in-house for organisations or through scheduled open courses.
If you'd like to explore how MHFA could support your organisation's wellbeing strategy, we'd be happy to discuss your requirements.