Online Adult MHFA (Mental Health First Aid)

Adult MHFA - Online

Adult MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) is an internationally recognised training course, designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. Adult MHFA courses can be attended by people aged 16 upwards and are relevant for the general population.  

Delegates on an Adult MHFA course are taught a set of skills which enables them to support someone experiencing mental health issues. Each and every MHFA course is delivered by a quality assured instructor, who has attended the 7 day instructor training programme accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health.

This two-day course is designed for all delegates wanting to expand their knowledge of Mental Health. It is recommended that a spread of Mental Health First Aiders are available across all levels and areas of an organisation.



This course will:

Teach practical skills that can be used every day, including being able to spot the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and feel confident guiding people towards appropriate support

Give a deeper understanding of the issues that impact on and relate to people’s mental health

Our MHFA instructors deliver training in four manageable sections, each with a focus on how to apply Mental Health First Aid skills.  The online course is split into self-learning and live session tuition.

Session 1 – Self Learning (approximately 1 hour)

Why Mental Health First Aid?

The Mental Health First Aid action plan

What is mental health?

Impact of mental health issues

The Stress Container

Frame of reference

Session 2 – Live Session (approximately 2 hours)

Why Mental Health First Aid?

The Mental Health First Aid action plan

What is mental health?

Impacts of mental health issues

Stigma and discrimination

Session 3 – Self Learning (approximately 1 ½ hours)

What is depression?

Risk factors for depression

First aid for depression

Prevalence of suicide

Session 4 – Live Session (approximately 2 ½ hours)

What is depression?

Symptoms of depression

Risk factors for depression

Depression in the workplace

Suicide figures

Alcohol, drugs, and mental health

First aid for suicidal crisis

Non-judgemental listening skills

First aid for depression

Treatment and resources for depression

Self – care

Session 5 – Self Learning (approximately 2 hours)

What is anxiety?

First aid for anxiety disorders

What are eating disorders?

First aid for eating disorders

What is self-harm?

First aid for self-harm

Personality disorders

Session 6 – Live Session (approximately 2 hours)

What is an anxiety disorder?

First aid for anxiety disorders

Crisis first aid after a traumatic event

Alcohol, drugs and anxiety disorders

Treatment and resources for anxiety disorders

Cognitive distortions and CBT

Eating disorders

Self-harm

Session 7 – Self Learning (approximately 2 hours)

What is psychosis?

Risk factors for psychosis

First aid for psychosis

Helpful and unhelpful responses

Session 8 – Live Session (approximately 2 hours)

What is psychosis?

Risk factors for psychosis

Alcohol, drugs and psychosis

Schizophrenia

Bipolar disorder

Warning signs of developing psychosis

Crisis first aid for acute psychosis

Treatment and resources for psychosis

Recovery and building resources

Action planning for using MHFA

MHFA will not teach you how to be a therapist but will enable you to say you are a Mental Health First Aider.