Free Level 2 Mental Health First Aid Course. Study online at your own pace, fitting learning around your existing commitments. You'll explore how to recognise and respond to mental ill health, support people in a range of settings, and advocate for mental health in the workplace. This free mental health first aid course for adults is open to anyone aged 19 or over who lives in England. The course typically takes up to one year to complete.
Who this course is for
This online qualification is helpful for anyone wanting to understand mental health first aid and how to care for those with mental ill health in a variety of settings. It’s also valuable for anyone planning a career that requires an understanding of mental ill health and is looking to qualify in this.The course is suitable but not limited to those who may interact with individuals with mental health issues and support needs in their day-to-day lives, such as those working in the customer service, housing, hospitality, travel and tourism, sport, recreation and voluntary sector. Studying via Distance Learning means you can choose when and where you study. All of our award-winning, online learning resources are of the highest quality and are designed to be engaging and interactive to keep you focused on your learning at all times.
Entry requirements
Learners must be aged 19+ and live in England to qualify for funding.
What you will learn
You'll understand the key signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions.
You'll learn how to provide initial mental health first aid support to someone in distress.
You'll explore how to promote mental health and wellbeing in workplace settings.
You'll understand the principles of mental health advocacy and how to apply them.
You'll learn how to reduce stigma around mental ill health in professional and community contexts.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities when supporting people with mental health needs.
You'll develop knowledge of signposting and referral routes to professional mental health services.
How you will learn
You'll study entirely online, working through course materials at your own pace. Assessment is through written assignments and knowledge-based tasks completed online. There are no exams to sit in person. Herefordshire College Hereford will guide you through the assessment process and confirm submission requirements before you begin.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Herefordshire College Hereford will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Mental health first aider: provide first-line mental health support at work
Support worker: assist adults with mental health or complex needs
Care assistant: support individuals in residential or community care settings
Teaching assistant: support pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs
SEN teaching assistant: work with students requiring specialist learning support
Youth support worker: support young people's wellbeing in community settings
Nursery practitioner: contribute to children's emotional health and development
Adult educator: teach or facilitate learning in community or further education settings
What you could study next
Level 3 Award in Mental Health in the Workplace (various awarding bodies): deepen your knowledge and take on a more formal mental health champion or lead role at work.
Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Health and Social Care: broaden your skills for roles in care, support work, or community health settings.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: if you want to move into teaching or training others in mental health awareness.
