This course will give you the skills and confidence to recognise the signs of mental ill health, provide initial help and support, and effectively guide a person towards professional help
The Department for Education (DfE) has made it clear that promoting the mental health and wellbeing of students is a statutory duty for all schools. In the current climate of long waiting lists for specialist services like CAMHS, school staff are on the frontline of this national priority.
This introductory MHFA course provides the essential, evidence-based training needed to fulfil that duty effectively. It empowers your staff to move beyond just awareness and equips them to become a vital part of your school’s universal provision for mental health, a key area of focus in Ofsted’s Personal Development judgement.
This is not just about ticking a box; it’s about building a competent and confident community. The course provides a clear action plan to support someone experiencing poor mental health or a mental health crisis. You will learn to listen non-judgementally and provide immediate support, preventing issues from escalating. With contemporary content covering anxieties related to social media and the digital age, this training ensures your staff are prepared for the specific challenges young people face in 2026 and beyond.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion, you will be able to:
• Recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues.
• Use a 5-step action plan (ALGEE) to provide Mental Health First Aid.
• Listen non-judgementally and hold supportive conversations
• Understand how to support someone with depression or anxiety
• Know how to respond in a crisis, including panic attacks or self-harm.
• Guide someone towards the appropriate professional support
• Maintain your own wellbeing while supporting others.
FACILITATOR
Stephen is an education consultant, inspector and author with over 36 years experience of supporting leaders, teachers and learners of schools in challenging environments.