First Aid for Mental Health
COURSE

First Aid for Mental Health

Recognised training to support mental wellbeing in the workplace and beyond

Nuco Training
First Aid for Mental Health

Our First Aid for Mental Health courses equip learners with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to recognise mental health issues, start supportive conversations, and signpost individuals to appropriate help.

Delivered by Nuco‑accredited instructors and awarded by First Aid Awards (FAA), these qualifications are nationally recognised and suitable for workplaces, education settings, and community organisations.

We offer a range of First Aid for Mental Health qualifications, allowing learners and employers to choose the level that best meets their needs:

  • Level 1 – Awareness and confidence‑building
  • Level 2 – Practical mental health first aider role
  • Level 2 Youth – Supporting children and young people
  • Level 3 – Leading, supervising, and embedding mental health support

Our team can help learners and employers choose the most appropriate level based on role, responsibilities, and organisational needs.

All Upcoming Courses

No upcoming courses. Please contact us for more information.
Qualification Overview

Ideal for:

Individuals who want a basic awareness of mental health and the role of a mental health first aider.

This entry‑level qualification provides an introduction to mental health, helping learners understand:

  • What mental health is and why conditions develop
  • The stigma surrounding mental health
  • How to recognise common mental health conditions
  • How to provide reassurance and signpost support
  • How to recognise and manage stress

Duration: Approximately 4 hours (classroom)
Qualification validity: 3 years
Assessment: Written assessment or professional discussion
Awarding body: First Aid Awards (FAA)

This qualification focuses on awareness, not diagnosis or treatment.

Qualification Specification

Ideal for:

Workplace first aiders, managers, supervisors, and staff with responsibility for supporting mental wellbeing.

This qualification builds on awareness and provides more in‑depth learning, including:

  • Recognising a wider range of mental health conditions
  • The First Aid Action Plan for Mental Health
  • Supporting individuals experiencing mental ill health
  • Understanding the impact of substance misuse
  • Promoting a positive mental health culture in the workplace

Duration: 6 hours (typically 1 day)
Qualification validity: 3 years
Assessment: Written assessment and practical demonstration
Awarding body: First Aid Awards (FAA)

This course supports employer responsibilities under health and safety guidance and workplace wellbeing initiatives.

Qualification Specification

Ideal for:

Anyone working with or supporting children and young people, including education staff, youth workers, parents, carers, and volunteers.

This qualification focuses specifically on mental health challenges faced by young people and covers:

  • Mental health awareness in children and young people
  • Recognising conditions such as anxiety, depression, self‑harm, eating disorders, and PTSD
  • Managing stress in young people
  • Safeguarding responsibilities and consent
  • Applying the First Aid Action Plan for Mental Health in youth settings

Duration: 6 hours (typically 1 day)
Qualification validity: 3 years
Assessment: Written assessment and practical demonstration
Awarding body: First Aid Awards (FAA)

Qualification Specification

Ideal for:

Managers, supervisors, mental health champions, senior staff, and those responsible for leading or overseeing mental health support within an organisation.

This advanced qualification builds on Levels 1 and 2 and is designed for learners who need a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and the confidence to lead a positive mental health culture in the workplace.

The course covers:

  • In‑depth understanding of mental health and wellbeing
  • Recognising a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
    • Depression, anxiety, PTSD
    • Bipolar disorder, personality disorders
    • Psychosis and schizophrenia
    • Eating disorders, self‑harm and suicide
  • Understanding the support and therapies provided by professional healthcare services
  • Applying and supervising the First Aid Action Plan for Mental Health
  • Managing stress and understanding the impact of substance misuse
  • Promoting and embedding a positive mental health culture within the workplace
  • Knowing when and how to escalate or signpost to professional support

Learners will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions, but will be equipped to recognise concerns, support individuals appropriately, and lead best practice within their organisation.

Duration:

  • 12 hours classroom‑based (typically 2 days)
  • Distance learning options available

Assessment:

  • Written assessments
  • Practical demonstration of the First Aid Action Plan for Mental Health

Qualification validity: 3 years
Awarding body: First Aid Awards (FAA)

Qualification Specification

FUNDING CRITERIA

There is currently no funding available for this qualification. Learners will need to self‑fund the course.

We offer discounted group rates and can train up to 12 learners per session.
We also provide tailored, on‑site delivery for organisations.

📞 Contact our office for a personalised quote and advice.

Progression opportunities

Completing a First Aid for Mental Health qualification can support both professional development and wider organisational wellbeing.

Depending on the level completed, learners may progress to:

  • Higher‑level First Aid for Mental Health qualifications, including:

    • Level 2 First Aid for Mental Health
    • Level 2 First Aid for Youth Mental Health
    • Level 3 Supervising / Leading First Aid for Mental Health
  • Broader first aid and health & safety training, such as:

    • Emergency First Aid at Work
    • Paediatric First Aid
    • First Aid at Work
    • Safeguarding and wellbeing courses
  • Enhanced workplace responsibilities, including:

    • Mental health champion or wellbeing lead roles
    • Supervisory or managerial responsibilities for staff wellbeing
    • Supporting the development of a positive mental health culture

For organisations, these qualifications help build stronger support networks, improve staff confidence, and demonstrate a commitment to employee wellbeing and duty of care.

Qualification Reference Number (QRN)

603/3770/9

Total qualification time (TQT):

12

Guided learning hours (GLH)

12

Accreditation

Nuco

Mode of Delivery

Face-to-Face

Entry requirements:

A maximum of 16 students are allowed on the course and must be a minimum of 16 years of age.

Mandatory Units

Supervising First Aid for Mental Health
Unit code: L/617/2920

Assessment

A range of methods are used, including practical and questioning (open and multiple-choice).

Real Work Environment (RWE)

N/A