The MHFA Course

Mental Health First Aid is a two day course. It is exactly what it suggests, a first aid approach to mental health. Originally conceived by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm in Australia, the introduction of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) has become an international activity: Hong Kong, Finland, Singapore, Canada and Scotland have all introduced mental health first aid. Wales and Ireland are currently working on introducing MHFA, so along with the introduction to England, UK wide coverage will be achieved. MHFA NE provides the course across the North East of England.

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Why is Mental Health First Aid Training needed?

The total cost of mental health problems in England is currently more than £77 billion a year.

Professional help is not always on hand when someone needs it The reduced quality of life and loss of life (due to mental Health problems) may account for nearly £42 billion every year (Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, 2003) .

Most people have little knowledge of mental health and how to help someone in distress.

Stress, anxiety and depression accounted for a third of the 168 million working days lost in the UK for health and related reasons in 2004, translating to a cost of sickness absence of about £4.1 billion (Confederation of British Industry, 2005)

What does the course teach?

MHFA does not teach people to be therapists. However, it does teach people how to recognise the symptoms of mental health problems, how to provide initial help and how to guide a person towards appropriate professional help.

The course has been developed by the National Institute for Mental Health England to raise awareness mental health issues and to train 'non-professionals' to offer initial help and guidance towards professional help.

Those who are trained in Mental Health First Aid will be equipped to improve the outcomes for those affected by mental health problems and also their families, friends, colleagues and employers,

You will have lots of opportunity to practise using the skills you are learning through practical case studies.

On completion of the course you will receive a very comprehensive manual containing information covered on the course and sources of information and resources for you to refer back to and extend your knowledge further.

Mental Health First Aid is for anyone who works with other people in a paid or voluntary role and would like to be be able to recognise signs and symptoms of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, biopolar disorder and others and be able to offer initial help and support.

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