This course is aimed at anybody aged 16 and over who works with, teaches, cares for, or looks after children and young people aged 8-18.
A qualified mental health first aider in a school environment provides a point of contact for students who are experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. This interaction could range from having an initial conversation through to supporting the individual to get appropriate help in a crisis. Mental health first aiders can spot the signs of mental ill health and are valuable in providing early support for someone who may be developing a mental health issue. The programme gives the delegate confidence to step in and support a young person who needs assistance.
| Session | Date | From | To |
| Session 1 | 25 March 2026 | 09:15 | 16.45 |
| Session 2 | 27 March 2026 | 09:15 | 16:45 |
This course qualifies you as a YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST-AIDER
Youth Mental Health First-aiders have:
- an in-depth understanding of young people’s mental health and factors that affect well being
- practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
- confidence to reassure and support a young person in distress
- enhanced interpersonal skills such as non judgmental listening
- knowledge to help a young person recover their health by guiding them to further support – whether that’s through self-help sites, their place of learning, the NHS, or a mix – engaging with parents, carers and external agencies where appropriate
- ability to support a young person with a long term mental health issue or disability to thrive
- tools to look after their own mental well being
The course is delivered over two full days in four sessions. Session 1 first day in the morning. Session 2 on the same day in the afternoon. Session 3 and 4 is on day 2.
Session one:
- What is mental health?
- What is Youth Mental Health First Aid?
- Your role as a Youth MHFAider
- What influences mental health?
- The Mental Health Continuum
- The Frame of Reference
- The Stress Container
Session two:
- The adolescent brain
- The Youth MHFA action plan
- Youth MHFA conversation in action
- Boundaries of your role
- What is anxiety?
- Crisis first aid for panic attacks
- What is a traumatic event?
- Applying Youth MHFA to case studies
Session three:
- Recap Youth MHFA action plan
- Supporting young people from marginalised groups
- What is depression?
- What is self-harm?
- Suicide thoughts and behaviours
- What is self-care?
Session Four:
- Addictive behaviours and substance misuse
- Applying the Youth MHFA action plan to scenarios
- What is psychosis?
- What is disordered eating?
- Recovery
- Reviewing the Youth MHFAider role and boundaries
- Youth MHFA conversation practise
Everyone who completes the course receives a youth mental health first aid manual and workbook to keep and refer to whenever they need it. Attendees also receive a certificate of attendance to say they are a youth mental health first-aider.
Dates:
Wednesday 25 March 2026
Friday 27 March 2026
Time:
09:15-16:45
Location:
Tuxford Academy NG22 0JH
Duration:
Four sessions held over 2 days
Delivered by:
Laura Morrell MHFS England Instructor
Cost: Free to Diverse Academies Trust Colleagues/£250 for external delegates
