Free Level 3 Mental Health Course in Manchester

CostFREE
Duration30 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Understanding Mental Health Course in Manchester. Evening classes run at Hopwood Hall College Middleton Campus, so you can fit study around your existing commitments. The course builds in-depth knowledge of mental health and mental well-being across 30 weeks part-time. It supports progression into roles in health and social care. You'll need Level 2 Functional Skills in English or an equivalent qualification to enrol; a prior Level 2 mental health, healthcare, or social care qualification is helpful but not required. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm the level is right for you.

Who this course is for

This FREE qualification is designed to increase learners’ knowledge and understanding of mental health and mental well-being. Successful completion of the required units will allow the learner to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of mental health. It will also support learner progression into relevant employment within the health and social care sector.NB: FUNDED PLACES NOW AVAILABLE, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA APPLIES.

Entry requirements

Level 2 Functional Skills in English or equivalent, learners may find it helpful if they’ve already achieved a Level 2 mental health qualification, or qualifications in healthcare or social care contexts.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the key concepts of mental health and mental well-being.
  • You'll examine a range of mental health conditions and how they affect people's lives.
  • You'll understand the factors that influence mental health, including social, psychological, and biological elements.
  • You'll learn about legislation, policy, and guidance relevant to mental health care in the UK.
  • You'll study approaches to supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties.
  • You'll consider the role of stigma and how it affects people with mental health conditions.
  • You'll develop knowledge of recovery models and person-centred approaches in mental health support.

How you will learn

Classes are held in the evening at Hopwood Hall College Middleton Campus. Learning is classroom based and part-time across 30 weeks. Assessment is through written assignments and unit-based tasks that build your knowledge progressively. You will not sit a formal exam; instead, your understanding is assessed through the work you produce during the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Hopwood Hall College Middleton Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Mental health support worker: assist people managing mental health conditions day to day.
  • Care assistant: support individuals in residential or community care settings.
  • Healthcare assistant: work alongside clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
  • Recovery worker: help people rebuild independence after a mental health crisis.
  • Community support worker: provide outreach support to vulnerable adults.
  • Social care worker: work within local authority or charity social care teams.
  • Wellbeing advisor: support mental health and wellbeing in workplace or community settings.

What you could study next

A free understanding mental health course at Level 3 is a strong foundation for further study in health and social care.

  • Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults): the qualification many employers require for senior care roles.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Mental Health: deepens specialist knowledge for those moving into coordination or supervisory roles.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care): recognised by UK universities as an entry route to nursing, social work, or psychology degrees.

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