Mental Health First Aid
A 3-day Public Health Agency (PHA) certified course training participants to support someone in a mental health crisis. MHFA also teaches the differences between specific mental health conditions and how to spot the signs and symptoms.
First aid, as we know it, is the help given to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) differs only in that it is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or who is in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves.
The aims of MHFA are to:
- Preserve life where a person may be a danger to themselves or others
- Provide help to prevent the mental health problem becoming more serious
- Promote the recovery of good mental health
- Provide comfort to a person experiencing a mental health problem
MHFA teaches participants:
- How to recognise the symptoms of mental health problems
- How to provide initial help
- How to go about guiding a person towards appropriate professional help
This programme sits within Tier Three of the Public Health Agency (PHA) Mental and Emotional Health and Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention Training Framework.
Feedback from our Mental Health First Aid Course
"I recently completed MHFA, and I would recommend the course. Great support, and tools to assist with individuals who are struggling."
Feedback from our Mental Health First Aid Course
"I did this course at the start of the year at AWARE NI in Belfast & highly recommend it! It's given me the skills to approach conversations about mental ill health not only in work but in my personal life too."
Frequently Asked Questions
This is open to the general public and professional groups such as carers, health workers, teachers, front-line public sector and voluntary sector workers.
12 hours delivered either face-to-face or online.
Face-to-face delivery consists of 2 x 6-hour sessions
Online delivery via Zoom consists of 3 x 4-hour or 4 x 3-hour sessions
1. Apply for a free course (funded by the Public Health Agency). If any free courses are available, they will be listed below. If there are no courses listed, please register your details and someone will contact you.
2. Attend a course for £175. Please email carole@aware-ni.org to apply.
3. For individuals looking to apply for a funded place on Mental Health First Aid
For individuals in the Western Trust who wish to receive funding for the Mental Health First Aid programme, please reach out to the following organisations who arrange these programmes across the Western Trust. AWARE NI are the trainers on these courses but do not manage the recruitment process.
Western Health Improvement Department
Email: health.improvement@westerntrust.hscni.net
Tel: 028 71 865127
The CLEAR Project (part of Derry Health Communities)
Email: clear@dhcni.com
Tel: 028 71 383386
Upcoming Mental Health First Aid Courses
To apply for a place on an open MHFA course, please check if there are any dates and locations listed below. If there are no location or dates that suit you, please register your details and someone will contact you. For more details on other ways to book please see the FAQ section above.