Mental Health First Aid - FAA Level 2 Award (RQF)

''I found the course really useful. It was practical and reflective and the space was held in a supportive way allowing for participants to process the material. It gave a clear overview of different mental health conditions and how to have conversations and to sign post. It was great to have a programme that was particularly arts focussed and specific to our sector.'' Lucy Hunt, Engagement Director, Bristol Old Vic.

Mental Health First Aid - FAA Level 2 Award (RQF)

Anyone can be affected by a mental health condition. Recognising the warning signs can help to support ourselves, family members, friends and colleagues. Want to find out more?

This is an accredited 7 hour course, dedicated to raising awareness of mental health and gaining the skills to become a Mental Health First Aider. On completion of this course, you will have a better understanding of what mental health is and how to challenge stigma. We will explore how to look after mental health and wellbeing, as well as develop the skills to start a supportive conversation and signpost a friend, colleague or community member in need towards professional help.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for anyone working in community settings, educational contexts and/or the arts sector.

We all have mental health - it affects our psychological, emotional and social wellbeing and we need to dedicate time to maintaining our resilience when working in community settings. As community practitioners, we can encounter a range of challenges when working with vulnerable people and in difficult times, having the training of a Mental Health First Aider is an invaluable tool.

On completion of this course you will be considered a First Aider for Mental Health. The course will provide you with the knowledge to recognise a suspected mental health condition and the skills to start a supportive conversation as well as signposting a person towards professional help. You will become familiar with the First Aid for Mental Health Action Plan which enables you to provide comprehensive guidance and support for a suspected mental health condition.

By the end of this course you will:

• Understand what Mental Health First Aid is

• Have knowledge of different types of mental health conditions

• Be able to combat stigma around mental health

• Understand stress and stress management

• Understand the impact of drugs and alcohol

• Be able to identify factors which affect mental health

• Identify ways to support your own resilience when working in challenging settings

• Have developed skills in holding non-judgmental conversations

• Have practised the First Aid for Mental Health Action Plan

• Be able to signpost to helpful resources

• Understand how to support mental health in the workplace

• Be a qualified Mental Health First Aider

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded the Ofqual regulated Level 2 Award in Mental Health First Aid (RQF)/Award in Mental Health First Aid at SCQF Level 5. This qualification is valid for three years from the date of achievement. You can then complete the course again to requalify for a further three years.

Assessment

The qualification is assessed through both a practical demonstration of the First Aid for Mental Health Action Plan and a multiple-choice question paper. Following a successful assessment, you will be issued with a Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health.

*Please note you must be a minimum of 14 years old to take this course.

Resources

As part of this course you will receive a comprehensive handbook on Mental Health First Aid. You will be encouraged to spend approximately 1 hour of self-study outside of the course delivery times.

Why Soundcastle?

We have over a decade of experience in working in community mental health settings

• We promote wellbeing and mental health awareness across our own workforce
• Our team has lived experience of mental health
• We strive to make positive change and break stigma
• We pride ourselves on delivering friendly, discursive and empathetic training
• Your investment in this course will go towards supporting our community music programmes, so not only will you gain a qualification, but you will also be supporting community wellbeing!

If you have any questions about this training, please contact training@soundcastle.co.uk