COURSE OVERVIEW:

The FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health (RQF) is designed to give learners the knowledge to recognise a range of mental health conditions, start a supportive conversation, and know when and how to signpost someone to professional help. With 1 in 4 people in the UK experiencing a mental health condition each year and work identified as a leading cause of stress, this qualification helps break down the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace. Learners will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions, but will be equipped to identify when someone may need support and know where to direct them for help. The qualification is regulated by Ofqual and awarded by First Aid Awards (FAA), and can be delivered in the classroom or via distance learning.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Understand what mental health is and why people develop mental health conditions
• Recognise the stigma surrounding mental health and how it affects people in the workplace
• Identify the role of a first aider for mental health
• Provide advice and practical support to someone presenting with a suspected mental health condition
• Know when to contact the emergency services in relation to mental health first aid
• Recognise the signs of stress and understand how it can be managed
• Identify the signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychosis, eating disorders, suicide and self-harm

KEY TOPICS COVERED:

1. What is Mental Health and Why Does It Matter?
2. Stigma and Factors Affecting Mental Health
3. The Role of a Mental Health First Aider
4. Providing Advice and Practical Support
5. Recognising and Managing Stress
6. Recognising a Range of Mental Health Conditions

COURSE CURRICULUM:

UNIT 1 Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health Objective: Give learners the foundational knowledge to recognise mental health conditions, offer support, and signpost effectively in the workplace.

Understanding Mental Health Defining mental health and mental health conditions Understanding the stigma surrounding mental health and its impact Factors that can affect a person’s mental health The role and limitations of a first aider for mental health

Providing Support How to start a supportive conversation with someone experiencing a mental health condition Advice and practical support for a person presenting with a suspected mental health condition When to contact the emergency services in a mental health first aid situation

Stress Awareness Identifying the signs of stress in yourself and others How stress can be managed in the workplace

Recognising Mental Health Conditions Signs and symptoms of depression Signs and symptoms of anxiety Signs and symptoms of psychosis Recognising eating disorders Understanding suicide awareness and self-harm