Most workplaces have a clear process for responding to physical injuries. First aid kits are stocked, trained first aiders are appointed and staff know exactly what to do. Yet far fewer organisations have the same level of readiness when a colleague is struggling with stress, anxiety, burnout or a mental health concern. Mental Health First Aid training helps bridge that gap by giving staff the language, confidence and practical tools to respond in those moments.
Mental Health First Aid has been a recognised workplace skill since 2000, and it is one investment many organisations wish they had made sooner. Delivered by accredited MHFA instructors, this full-day course teaches participants how to identify the signs of common mental health problems, start supportive conversations and guide someone toward professional help when they need it most. For organisations already working to address psychosocial hazards in the workplace, this course is a practical and high-impact addition to any existing wellbeing framework.
While the accredited MHFA framework remains nationally consistent, Preferred Training Networks contextualises all discussions, examples and workplace scenarios to reflect your environment, industry pressures and frontline realities. This makes the training feel immediately applicable rather than generic. Teams managing high-pressure environments will also find value in pairing this course with our Frontline Resilience Strategies workshop, which builds the personal coping skills that sit alongside the first aid response capabilities covered here.
Use an evidence-based mental health first aid approach to begin supportive conversations
Recognise barriers that may prevent people from seeking help and explore ways to encourage support-seeking
Respond appropriately to a range of mental health crisis situations and provide initial assistance
Develop an understanding of common mental health conditions, contributing risk factors, available treatments and support pathways
Practise self-care strategies and maintain wellbeing while supporting others as a Mental Health First Aider
Course Description
What You Will Learn in This Mental Health First Aid Course
This course goes well beyond awareness. Participants develop the practical confidence to act when it matters, whether that means starting a conversation with a struggling colleague, recognising the early signs of a mental health crisis or understanding what professional support pathways are available. Organisations that have completed this training consistently report that staff feel more prepared, more compassionate and better equipped to contribute to a psychologically safe workplace. This connects directly to stronger overall workplace performance and supports leaders in meeting their duty of care obligations. Managers and team leaders attending this course may also wish to explore our Frontline Leadership course to further develop their capability to support and lead teams through difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend this Mental Health First Aid course?
This course is suitable for all staff and employees regardless of role or seniority. It is particularly valuable for team leaders, managers, HR professionals and anyone in a people-facing role who may be the first point of contact when a colleague is struggling. Organisations looking to build a psychologically safe workplace will benefit from having as many staff as possible complete this training.
Do participants need any prior knowledge or qualifications to attend?
No prior knowledge or qualifications are required. This course is designed to be accessible to all staff, regardless of their background or experience with mental health topics. The accredited MHFA framework is structured to guide complete beginners through to a confident, practical level of first aid capability.
Yes. This course is delivered using the nationally recognised Mental Health First Aid accredited framework and is facilitated by MHFA accredited instructors. Participants receive a certificate of completion including Continuous Professional Development (CPD) hours upon finishing the course.
Can the course be tailored to our industry or workplace context?
Yes. While the MHFA framework remains nationally consistent, Preferred Training Networks contextualises all discussions, examples and scenarios to reflect your specific industry, workplace environment and frontline realities. This ensures the training feels practical and immediately applicable rather than generic.
How does this course differ from a general wellbeing or resilience workshop?
A general wellbeing or resilience workshop focuses on helping individuals manage their own stress and pressure. Mental Health First Aid training focuses specifically on equipping people to recognise and respond to mental health concerns in others. The two approaches are highly complementary, and many organisations choose to run both as part of a broader wellbeing strategy.
What happens if a participant needs support after the course?
Participants have the option of a free follow-up refresher session with the original trainer after completing the course. This helps reinforce skills, address any questions that have come up since the training and ensure the learning continues to be applied in the workplace. For ongoing support, our team is also available to discuss further training options for your organisation.
Yes. The course is available both in-person at your organisation or venue and virtually, making it accessible to remote teams and organisations with staff across multiple locations. Our facilitators are experienced in delivering engaging, interactive sessions in both formats.
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The course was very informative and it presented exceptionally well!
Kelvin Muchiri
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Really found inspiration and hope in what Michelle provided
Rhonda Rees
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Amazing course! Engaging, fun and learnt so much. Thank you always.
Kate Bartlett
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Tom was a fabulous trainer very knowledgeable and able to provide practical real life examples and tools that will prove extremely useful.
Vicki Hutchinson
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Best every course
Yonas Masrsha Tesfaye
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Dr Marny Lishman crated an amazing space that not only was open, safe and caring, but gave insight into many different aspects of resilience. She apprieciated different perspectives and opened discussions that were supported and wise.
The presentation was targeted and had the perfect balance of knowledge and reflection.
I would encourage this workshop for any team, especially those preparing of have gone through organisational change!
Ethan Calleja
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Did this course in a session at Professional Services Review Training .Very helpful especially in my work in Public Health .Lots of useful ‘tips and tricks ‘
