Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFA)

Caring with Clarity is delighted to be able to offer the accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course which covers practical and effective ways of supporting adults through mental health challenges. Through the course you will learn how to recognise common mental health conditions, how to provide effective support and how to recognise and reduce stigma. You will also be given clear guidance on accessing both professional help and help from a wide range of expert charitable organisations specialising in relevant areas. The Mental Health First Aider can have an important role in helping to build a support network around someone but is not solely responsible for providing care and has access to a wide range of community support themselves.

Eye-level view of a mental health first aid training session with participants engaged in discussion

Understanding Mental Health First Aid

Mental health first aid is a training program designed to teach individuals how to recognize and respond to mental health crises. Just as physical first aid provides the skills to assist someone experiencing a medical emergency, mental health first aid equips people with the tools to support those facing mental health challenges.

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental health first aid involves:

• Recognizing Signs: Understanding the symptoms of common mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.

• Providing Support: Offering initial help and guidance to individuals in distress.

• Encouraging Appropriate Help: Knowing when and how to refer someone to a mental health professional and other support agencies.

  
  

• The MHFA course is designed to help participants gain confidence in how they might approach someone and offer support in a kind and non-judgemental way. Participants practice the important skill of active listening, something which has potential to benefit all areas of life.