5 Free Mental Health First Aid Courses (MHFA)
Mental health awareness and support are crucial in today's fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety are increasingly common. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training equips individuals with the skills to provide initial help to those experiencing mental health issues.
Whether you're a manager looking to support your team, a healthcare professional, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, these courses offer an invaluable opportunity. They are designed to enhance your understanding of mental health, providing the necessary skills to support individuals effectively.
The best part? These courses are available for free to eligible learners, making them accessible to a broad audience. Below, we round up five outstanding providers offering accredited MHFA courses. Each course helps you gain the knowledge and confidence to support mental well-being in your community and workplace.
Which is the best free Mental Health First Aid Course?
1. Free Courses in England
Course Offered: Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace
Overview: This course equips learners with the confidence and skills to support others with mental ill health. It covers creating mentally healthy environments, developing wellness action plans, and protecting one's own mental health. The course is accredited by NCFE CACHE and funded by the UK government, making it free for eligible learners.
Eligibility: Must be aged 19 or over, living in England, and have been a resident in the UK/EU/EEA for at least three years.
Duration: Flexible; can be completed in a few weeks to a few months depending on the learner’s pace.
Accreditation: NCFE CACHE More Info: Free Courses in England
2. Reed Courses
Course Offered: Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace
Overview: This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge to support colleagues with mental health issues. It covers understanding mental health problems, supporting individuals with mental ill health, and fostering a mentally healthy environment. It is highly beneficial for career progression in fields like mental health nursing, health promotion, and HR.
Eligibility: Must live in England, be over 19 years old, and provide certain identification and employment documents.
Duration: Typically seven weeks, but flexible to accommodate work and home commitments.
Accreditation: NCFE CACHE More Info: Reed Courses
3. The AIM Group
Course Offered: Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace
Overview: This course covers understanding common mental health disorders, recognising warning signs, providing Mental Health First Aid, and advocating for mental health in the workplace. It aims to reduce stigma and promote positive mental health practices.
Eligibility: Age 19+, resident in the UK/EU for at least three years, and not enrolled in another government-funded course.
Duration: Short, with flexible learning options to fit around other commitments.
Accreditation: Nationally accredited, with qualifications recognised across the UK.
More Info: The AIM Group
4. Grey Matter Learning
Course Offered: Mental Health First Aid
Overview: This course focuses on equipping individuals with the skills to provide initial help to someone experiencing a mental health crisis. It includes how to approach, listen, and communicate effectively, as well as how to support and signpost individuals to professional services.
Eligibility: The course is open to all, with specific details about funding and eligibility criteria available on their website.
Duration: Varies; details provided upon enrollment.
Accreditation: Nationally accredited.
More Info: Grey Matter Learning
5. Alison
Course Offered: First Aid for Mental Health
Overview: This course covers the basics of mental health first aid, including recognising signs of mental health issues, providing initial support, and understanding how to create a mentally healthy workplace. It is designed to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems.
Eligibility: Available to anyone interested, with details about the course content and enrolment process on the Alison website.
Duration: Self-paced online learning.
Accreditation: Certificate of completion available.
More Info: Alison
Embracing mental health first aid training
In today's fast-paced world, equipping yourself with the skills to support mental health is more important than ever. These accredited free courses provide a valuable opportunity to become a qualified Mental Health First Aider. Offered by reputable organisations such as MHFA England, these courses are designed to enhance your understanding of mental health issues and empower you to provide effective care.
Whether you work in healthcare, education, or any other sector, these qualifications in MHFA can significantly impact your ability to support individuals facing mental health challenges. With a strong focus on adult mental health, these courses ensure that learners gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to address and manage mental health crises.
By taking advantage of these free, accredited courses, you not only improve your own capabilities but also contribute to creating a more supportive and understanding community. Start your journey towards becoming a Mental Health First Aider today and make a real difference in the lives of those around you.