Free Level 2 Mental Health First Aid Course. Study online. You can work through the course at your own pace, fitting study around your existing commitments. Over 16 weeks, you'll build knowledge of mental health conditions, mental health crises, person-centred support, and mental health advocacy in the workplace. The course covers the legislative framework around mental health and how to protect your own wellbeing when supporting others. No previous experience of mental health first aid is required.
Who this course is for
This qualification is helpful for anyone wanting to understand mental health first aid and how to care for those with mental ill health. It’s also valuable for anyone who is planning a career that requires an understanding of mental ill health and is looking to gain a qualification in this.
The programme is suitable for those who desire to form a foundation due to little or no previous experience of mental health first aid.
Learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of mental health and how to care for those with mental health conditions.
What you will learn
You'll understand what mental health and mental ill health mean, and how to distinguish between them.
You'll identify factors that can contribute to mental ill health in individuals.
You'll recognise different types of mental health conditions and their effects.
You'll know how to respond when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis.
You'll understand the value of person-centred approaches when supporting people with mental ill health.
You'll explore your own responsibilities and limitations when supporting others' mental health.
You'll understand how workplace attitudes and perceptions affect mental health outcomes.
You'll learn about the legislative framework relevant to mental health and what mentally healthy environments look like.
How you will learn
The course is delivered entirely online through distance learning. You'll work through three units covering mental health knowledge, supporting individuals, and workplace advocacy. Assessment is project-based, so you'll complete written tasks and activities that demonstrate your understanding of each unit. There are no timed exams. You study at your own pace over 16 weeks.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Burton and South Derbyshire College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Mental Health First Aider: identify and support colleagues experiencing mental ill health.
Support Worker: assist adults with mental health conditions in community or residential settings.
Care Assistant: provide personal and emotional support to people with mental health needs.
Teaching Assistant: support students' wellbeing alongside classroom learning.
SEN Teaching Assistant: work with pupils who have social, emotional, or mental health needs.
Youth Support Worker: help young people manage mental health challenges.
Nursery Practitioner: understand and respond to early signs of emotional difficulty in children.
Adult Educator: teach or facilitate learning for adults, including those with mental health support needs.
What you could study next
Level 3 Award in Mental Health at Work (various awarding bodies): deepens your understanding and is suited to those taking on a formal mental health champion or first aider role at work.
Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care: broadens your knowledge for roles in care settings and can support entry into support worker or care coordinator positions.
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills: a step toward counselling training if you want to develop one-to-one support skills further.
