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.
The two-day youth mental health first-aider course is currently being delivered as a virtual workshop. The course is delivered in four sections. Each section consists of some pre-course learning which is accessed through a learning platform called Enabley. The material takes between one and one and a half hours to complete. This is followed by a 2.5 hour live session, also accessed via the Enabley platform. Usually sessions 1 and 2 are close together and then followed by sessions 3 and 4 at a later date – normally within a week of the first two sessions.
| Session | Date | From | To |
| Session 1 | 1 December 2020 | 08:45 | 11:15 |
| Session 2 | 2 December 2020 | 08:45 | 11:15 |
| Session 3 | 8 December 2020 | 08:45 | 11:15 |
| Session 4 | 9 December 2020 | 08:45 | 11:15 |
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
Session one
- About Youth Mental Health First Aid
- About mental health – facts and figures
- Risk and protective factors for mental ill health
- Preventing mental health issues and promoting wellbeing
- The Youth MHFA action plan – ALGEE
Session two
Depression and anxiety
- About depression and anxiety – facts and figures
- Signs and symptoms
- Risk factors
- The MHFA action plan for depression and anxiety ALGEE
Session three
Suicide
- About suicide
- Risk factors and possible warning signs for suicide
- Crisis first aid for suicidal behaviour
Psychosis
- What is psychosis?
- Signs of psychosis
- Youth MHFA action planning
- Treatment and resources for psychosis
Session four
Self-harm and eating disorders
- What are they?
- Why are they important?
- Possible causes
- Signs and symptoms
- Treatment and resources
- Youth MHFA action planning
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.
Our terms and conditions
Please ensure you read our terms and conditions before you book your place.
Dates: See left
Location: Virtual
Duration: Four sessions with approx. one hour pre-course learning
Delivered by: Wright Mind Training Services Ltd.
Cost: £150/3 units for TVTSA members
If your booking is made within a week of the programme commencing, you are not guaranteed a place. If you have been successful, the TVTSA team will contact you directly.
