FAA Award in First Aid for Youth Mental Health
£100 per person
In-house training courses. Discounted rates for group bookings.
This qualification is designed for anyone who regularly works with or supports children and young people, including parents, carers, teachers, youth leaders and young adults. It provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to recognise when a young person may be experiencing a mental health condition and how to respond appropriately.
The course focuses specifically on youth mental health, covering key issues affecting children and young people such as depression, self-harm, eating disorders and bullying. Learners will gain the confidence to start supportive conversations, apply the First Aid Action Plan for Mental Health, and guide young people towards appropriate professional help.
Learners will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions, but will be able to identify when a young person may need support, offer reassurance, and understand when and how to escalate concerns appropriately.
This qualification is regulated in the UK and awarded by First Aid Awards (FAA).
What You Will Learn
Throughout the course, learners will explore:
• What mental health is and why young people develop mental health conditions
• The role of a First Aider for Mental Health
• How to recognise and manage stress
• Signs and symptoms of mental health conditions in young people, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, eating disorders, suicide, self-harm and post-traumatic stress disorder
• How to apply the First Aid Action Plan for Mental Health
• When to contact emergency services
• Legal consent and safeguarding responsibilities when working with children
Course Duration
The classroom-based qualification requires 6 guided learning hours with a total qualification time of 7 hours. It can be delivered in one day or completed over a maximum of three weeks, with each session lasting at least two hours.
A maximum of 16 learners are permitted per trainer in a classroom setting.
Assessment
Classroom-based learners are assessed through a written assessment and a practical demonstration of the First Aid Action Plan for Mental Health. Both elements must be successfully completed to achieve the qualification.
Certification
Upon successful completion, learners will receive a Level 2 Award in First Aid for Youth Mental Health. The qualification is valid for three years from the date of achievement. Annual refresher training is strongly recommended, and to requalify learners must complete the full course again.
This qualification supports those working with young people to create safer, more supportive environments where mental health concerns can be recognised early and responded to with confidence and care.