Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

MHFA is an international acclaimed mental health awareness programme designed to give ordinary people the tools they need to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental ill-health, provide initial support and guide a person toward appropriate professional help.

MHFA is a 12-hour intensive training course, usually over 2 days, providing an overview of common mental health problems, risk factors, symptoms and treatments, whilst also providing a framework for helping people in emotional distress should you come across them.

This programme is perfect for those wanting an overview of mental health difficulties and how they impact others or as an extension to standard First Aid programmes.

Course Overview

Session 1:

What is mental health first aid?
Stigma
The five steps of mental health first aid.
Self-Care

MHFA – Five-point action plan includes:

Action 1: Assess the risk of suicide or harm
Action 2: Listen non judgementally
Action 3: Give reassurance and information
Action 4: Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help
Action 5: Encourage Self-help strategies

Session 2:

Suicide Awareness and risk factors
First Aid for Depression
Bi-Polar Disorder

Session 3:

First Aid for Anxiety Disorders
First Aid for Psychosis
Schizophrenia

Session 4:

Substance Use Disorders
Other Related Factors
Self-Care

MHFA in Northern Ireland is accredited by the Northern Ireland Public Health Agency and all trainers are licensed to deliver this course.