Mental Health First Aiders

Mental Health First Aiders | QNUK Level 3 Award (RQF)

Mental health first aid is not a figure of speech. It is a specific role, with specific knowledge, that exists in law.

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to make adequate and appropriate provision for first aid in the workplace. Mental Health First Aiders form part of that provision. They are designated, trained individuals that colleagues can turn to: people who can recognise when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, provide initial support, and know when and how to bring in further help.

This qualification underpins that role.

The QNUK Level 3 Award for Mental Health First Aiders (RQF) is an Ofqual-regulated, two-day qualification, listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It goes beyond the Level 3 Mental Health at Work qualification to build the depth of knowledge needed to take on the formal Mental Health First Aider role within an organisation’s health and safety arrangements.

The difference between this and the Level 3 Award in Mental Health at Work is not simply one of audience. The Mental Health First Aider qualification is specifically designed to produce individuals who can act as a named resource within an organisation, fulfilling a formal first aider function. The syllabus reflects that: it goes deeper on crisis response, suicidal ideation and complex harmful coping strategies, and is assessed to a higher standard.

Content Note

This qualification covers serious, challenging material, including psychosis, suicidal crisis, self-harm, eating disorders and substance misuse. Some content may be personally difficult for some delegates. Our trainers are experienced in handling these subjects with care. A breakout space is available at our Knutsford training centre; for courses at your premises, please ensure a quiet space is nearby throughout.

In some cases, it may be better for a delegate to postpone attendance until they feel ready to engage with this material constructively. If you have concerns about a specific delegate, please contact us before booking.

What You Will Learn

This qualification has one mandatory unit with nine connected learning outcomes.

1. The Principles of Mental Wellbeing

• The World Health Organisation definitions of mental health and mental ill-health as the foundation of the role
• The impact of poor mental health at individual level
• Removing stigma in practice: education, open conversation, language and emotional intelligence

2. Legal Requirements for Managing Mental Health at Work

• The impact of poor mental health at individual, team and organisational level
• Key legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and the Equality Act 2010
• Employer and employee duties, and actions employers can take to support mental wellbeing
• The 4E framework: Environment, Effective communication, Empathy and Engaging further assistance

3. Recognising the Causes and Impact of Stress

• The HSE definition of stress, occupational and personal risk factors, and how to recognise acute and chronic signs in colleagues

4. Recognising and Supporting Those with Common Mental Health Conditions

• Depression, generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD and PTSD: risk factors, signs and condition-specific support approaches, including cognitive behaviour therapy and talking therapies

5. Recognising and Supporting Those with Psychosis

• Risk factors, signs and how to provide reassuring support
• Signposting to GP services, local crisis teams and MIND

6. Recognising and Supporting Those with Bipolar Disorder

• The cyclical pattern of depression and mania, and what this means for a Mental Health First Aider’s response
• Practical workplace support and referral pathways

7. Recognising and Supporting Those with Schizophrenia

• Risk factors, signs and why approaching schizophrenia without stereotyping is critical
• Supporting continued medication and therapy

8. Harmful Coping Strategies

• The full range of harmful coping, including self-harm, eating disorders, alcohol and drug misuse, excessive gambling, gaming, pornography use, social media overuse, workaholism and over-exercise
• The classification of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder
• Recognising signs in a colleague
• How to support someone using harmful coping strategies, and what not to do

9. Recognising and Supporting an Individual in Suicidal Crisis

• Risk factors, including specific demographic risks
• Warning signs, and the critical reminder that many people in crisis show none
• What to do as a Mental Health First Aider: active listening, empathy first, contacting the crisis team and using Samaritans as an immediate resource

Course Details

Who Should Attend?

This qualification is designed for individuals taking on the formal Mental Health First Aider role in their organisation. No prior mental health qualification is required, though delegates who have recently completed the Level 2 Award in Mental Health at Work will find the content builds naturally on that foundation.

It is particularly relevant for designated workplace Mental Health First Aiders, HR managers and occupational health leads, senior managers with formal wellbeing responsibilities, Employee Assistance Programme coordinators, union welfare representatives and anyone in a people-facing role where mental health crises are a foreseeable part of the work.

For employers: having named, trained, Level 3-qualified Mental Health First Aiders meets the broader duty under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 in a way that ad hoc awareness training alone cannot.

Learning and Assessment:

• Course Duration: We deliver this classroom programme over a minimum of 2 days. This equals 12 Guided Learning Hours. However, learners have up to 6 weeks to finish all elements.
• Delivery Formats: We proudly accommodate blended learning models. This format combines face-to-face sessions, live video conferencing, or structured e-learning.
• Assessment: Candidates must complete an invigilated multiple-choice exam paper. This test takes place under standard classroom conditions.
• Exam Details: The exam gives you 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. You must achieve a pass mark of 70% (28/40) to succeed.
• Resit Policy: If you are unsuccessful, you can take a second exam within your 6-week window. However, candidates scoring under 60% must complete additional training first.

Group Size:

• Face-to-Face Delivery: Generally we have a maximum of 12 candidates, but we can run this course for up to 20 candidates. This layout guarantees high-quality instruction and personal support.
• Virtual/Online Delivery: We limit the ratio to 1:8 to maximise interaction and ensure your instructor can safely monitor and manage any sensitive triggers.

Certificate Period:

• Your qualification remains valid for 3 years.

Pre-requisites:

• Age: Learners should be at least 16 years old to register. Individuals aged 14 to 16 can join, but some content may be unsuitable.
• Language: The assessment requires a solid command of English. For this reason, we strongly recommend that candidates possess a baseline of Level 2 literacy.
• Prior Learning: This qualification requires no specific prior learning or experience.

Progression:

• After earning this award, you can confidently take on designated corporate first aider roles or progress your education further. Alternatively, you can progress your education further. Complementary advancement routes include:
  • QNUK Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Conditions (RQF)
  • QNUK Level 2 Award in Awareness of Young People’s Mental Health (RQF)

Choosing the Right Course

Organisations building a tiered mental health programme typically combine whole-staff Level 1 or Level 2 awareness training with Level 3 qualification for their designated Mental Health First Aiders. Contact us to discuss a programme approach.

Chris Garland Training is a signatory of the Charter for Employers Positive about Mental Health.