FAA Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health

This advanced two-day qualification provides learners with an in-depth understanding of mental health and prepares them to take a leading role in supporting mental wellbeing within the workplace. Participants will develop the knowledge and confidence to recognise a wide range of mental health conditions, understand the support and therapies provided by healthcare professionals, and guide others towards appropriate help.  

Learners will explore how to start supportive conversations, apply the First Aid Action Plan for Mental Health, and contribute to building a positive mental health culture within their organisation. While learners will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions, they will be able to identify when someone may need support, offer reassurance, and know how and where to signpost them.  

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 people develop mental health conditions

• The role of a First Aider for Mental Health at a supervisory level

• How to provide advice and practical support for someone presenting with a suspected mental health condition

• When to contact emergency services

• How to recognise and manage stress

• The impact of alcohol and substance abuse on mental health

• How to apply the First Aid Action Plan for Mental Health

• How to implement and promote a positive mental health culture in the workplace

• The characteristics, signs and symptoms of a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, psychosis and schizophrenia

• The support and therapies provided by professional healthcare providers for these conditions  

Course Duration

The classroom-based qualification requires 12 guided learning hours with a total qualification time of 14 hours. It can be delivered over two days or completed over a maximum of six 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 two written assessments and a practical demonstration of the First Aid Action Plan for Mental Health. All assessments must be successfully completed to achieve the qualification.  

Certification

Upon successful completion, learners will receive a Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health. The qualification is valid for three years from the date of achievement. Annual refresher training is strongly recommended.  

To maintain qualification, learners can either complete the full two-day course again or attend a shortened one-day requalification course within the required timeframe.

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