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Youth Mental Health First Aid

By Changing Minds Training

5.0(2)

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£299

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Highlights

Delivered Online
4 days
Intermediate level

Description

The Youth Mental Health First Aid course has been updated for 2025 with the latest knowledge and research. It has been redeveloped through an inclusive lens with extensive input from young people with lived experience.

This course is ideal for anyone who lives with, works with, or supports young people aged 8 to 18 and wants to gain the knowledge, awareness, and skills to spot the signs of a young person experiencing poor mental health, the confidence to start a conversation, and the tools to safeguard and signpost to appropriate support.

Youth Mental Health First Aiders receive three years of certification and are invited to join the Association of Mental Health First Aiders® – England’s first and only membership body for MHFAiders. As well as access to ongoing learning and expert support, members gain the benefits of being part of a national movement for better mental health.

Learning Outcomes

Youth Mental Health First Aiders will be able to:

Explain what mental health is

Describe how to look after their own mental health and wellbeing

Describe the signs of poor mental health in young people

Explain some of the risk factors associated with poor mental health in young people

Demonstrate how to apply the Youth MHFA action plan (ALGEE®) in a Youth Mental Health First Aid conversation

Describe the role of a Youth MHFAider®

Know how to use the MHFAider Support App®

Know how to access a dedicated text service provided by Shout and ongoing learning opportunities with MHFA England®

Learn beyond the course through membership of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders®

Format

Online or face-to-face course

Structured across four flexible four hour sessions

Learning takes place through a mix of instructor-led training, group discussions, individual and group activities

Each session builds on the previous one, enabling the learner to gain confidence in supporting others with a Mental Health First Aid action plan

We limit numbers to 16 people per course so that instructors can keep people safe and supported while they learn

Takeaways

Everyone who completes this course gets:

A copy of the workbook to support their learning throughout the course

A digital manual to refer to whenever they need it

A wallet-sized reference card

A digital Youth MHFAider® certificate

Access to the MHFAider Support App® for three years

Access to ongoing learning opportunities, resources and exclusive events

The opportunity to be part of the largest MHFAider® community in England

Content

Session 1:

What is mental health?

What is Youth Mental Health First Aid?

Your role as a Youth MHFAider

What influences mental health?

The Mental Health Continuum

The Frame of Reference

The Stress Container

Session 2:

The adolescent brain

The Youth MHFA action plan

Youth MHFA conversation in action

Boundaries of your role

What is anxiety?

Crisis first aid for panic attacks

What is a traumatic event?

Applying Youth MHFA to case studies

Session 3:

Recap Youth MHFA action plan

Supporting young people from marginalised groups

What is depression?

What is self-harm?

Suicide thoughts and behaviours

What is self-care?

Session 4:

Addictive behaviours and substance misuse

Applying the Youth MHFA action plan to scenarios

What is psychosis?

What is disordered eating?

Recovery

Reviewing the Youth MHFAider role and boundaries

Youth MHFA conversation practise

Accessibility

We strive to make our courses accessible to all. If you have any questions, concerns, or require accessibility accommodations please contact us at enquiries@changingmindstraining.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Youth MHFA course designed for?
The Youth MHFA course is suitable for anyone who works with, lives with, or supports young people aged 8-18. Learners will gain the knowledge, awareness, and skills to spot the signs of a young person experiencing emotional distress and poor mental health, be confident to start a conversation, and signpost to appropriate support.
What is the minimum age for a learner to attend the Youth MHFA course?
The Youth MHFA course is designed for those aged 18 and above. However, a young person (aged 16 or 17) may undertake the course if they are within a school or youth community setting. Any requests for a young person to attend a course should come from the school or youth community setting itself, and as part of this agreement, parental/carer consent should be in place.
Is MHFA England training accredited?
Yes, all MHFA England courses are quality assured and accredited. MHFA England is hosted by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), and the training meets national standards for mental health first aid education.
What's the difference between MHFA and Youth MHFA?
MHFA focuses on supporting adults aged 18+, while Youth MHFA is designed for those working with young people aged 8-18 and covers adolescent mental health issues specifically.
What is the MHFAider Support App?
The MHFAider Support App is a digital resource exclusively for certified Mental Health First Aiders. It provides quick reference guides, conversation starters, signposting information, and tools to support your role as an MHFAider.
Do I have to attend the whole course?
You need to complete all parts of the course to receive a certificate of attendance. All parts of the course are equally important to learn a safe grounding in Mental Health First Aider skills.
Is the course difficult or upsetting?
The course covers sensitive topics, but our MHFA England Instructors are highly trained to deliver content with care and create a safe learning environment. You can take breaks whenever needed, and the course is designed to be supportive and empowering.
Do I need to renew my training?
Like physical first aid, your MHFA England training is valid for three years. We recommend that Mental Health First Aiders attend an MHFA Refresher course every three years to renew their skills, update their knowledge of mental health supports, and practice applying the Mental Health First Aid action plan.
What's the difference between classroom and online courses?
Both formats cover the same content and are equally accredited. In-person courses offer face-to-face interaction, while online courses provide flexibility and eliminate travel time. Choose whichever suits your learning style and circumstances.
Do I get a qualification at the end of the course?
Upon successful completion and attendance of the full course, you'll receive an MHFA England certificate valid for three years.
I have more questions!
We are happy to help!
Contact us at enquiries@changingmindstraining.com or on 01737 632279.