Companies routinely consider first aid training to protect the physical wellbeing of their employees, but mental health is rarely given the same thought. As a first aider, you may also be required to support someone experiencing a mental health issue. Plus, 2024 Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance introduces the inclusion of mental health considerations within first aid needs assessments to identify additional training requirements. It is therefore important to be able to take appropriate action to help promptly, safely, and effectively.
To help organisations equip their team members, our mental health and wellbeing team has built a short introductory Mental health for first aiders course, available as a free, optional online add-on for any learners who have completed first aid at work training.
What is the Mental health for first aiders course?
Our Mental health for first aiders course is a free, optional, 30-minute online course developed in house by our mental health and wellbeing team, with expert guidance and insight from the British Red Cross Psychosocial team.
The course provides essential skills to support others experiencing a mental health issue. Modules include information, activities and videos on understanding mental ill health, building awareness and equipping yourself with tools to help if a colleague needs your support.
Course content includes:
- mental ill health symptoms
- identify and understand signs and symptoms
- the effect of powerful emotions
- recognise and deal with challenging behaviour
- contributing factors to mental ill health
supporting a mental health issue:
- steps to take
- using questions
- closing the conversation
- where to get help.
Who can complete the Mental health for first aiders course?
Any learners who have completed an Emergency first aid at work, First aid at work requalification, or First aid at work course are eligible for the free, optional Mental health for first aiders course.
This short course is a continuation of your first aid at work learning and uses a similar approach to deal with a mental health emergency by recognising signs and symptoms and taking steps to support them individually. It is not a mandatory part of your first aid at work course and does not impact your first aid certification. Upon completion you will receive a certificate of learning.
Why do your mental health at work training with the British Red Cross?
In addition to the Mental health for first aiders course, you can further invest in mental health training with British Red Cross Mental health at work courses. By investing in mental health training, you are not only meeting Health and Safety Executive guidance, but you are also ensuring your workforce has the skills and knowledge they need to confidently help if someone becomes injured or unwell.
Mental health at work training from the British Red Cross offers a proactive and preventative approach to wellbeing in the workplace, equipping learners with the skills needed to meet HSE guidance and support others experiencing mental health issues.
Our suite of Mental health at work courses
Our Mental health for first aiders course offers essential skills to help someone experiencing a mental health issue.
However, if you’re looking for more proactive and preventative mental health training for your teams, then see our range of six Mental health at work training courses available face to face, virtually and online, designed to address individual employee needs and empower managers in prioritising mental health.