This online course trains you as a Youth Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®), giving you: An in-depth understanding of young people’s mental health and factors that affect wellbeing Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues Confidence to reassure and support a young person in distress Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening Knowledge to help a young person recover their health by guiding them to further support – whether that’s through self-help sites, their place of learning, the NHS, or a mix – engaging with parents, carers and external agencies where appropriate Ability to support a young person with a long term mental health issue or disability to thrive Tools to look after your own mental wellbeing Format This is an online course delivered through the MHFA England Online Learning Hub Learning takes place through four live training sessions spread across one to two weeks, with self-learning activities in between. See course structure section below for more detail Each session is built around a Youth Mental Health First Aid action plan We limit numbers to 16 people per course so that the instructor can keep people safe and supported while they learn Course StructureSession 1: Introduction Individual learning (1 hour 15 minutes): Introduction to the Online Youth Mental Health First Aid course and the Online Learning Hub Activity 1: Why Youth Mental Health First Aid? Activity 2: What is ALGEE? Activity 3: What is mental health? Activity 4: Mental health and stigma Activity 5: Mental health quiz: Impact of mental health Activity 6: Risk and protective factors for mental health Activity 7: The Stress Container Live session (2 hours 35 minutes): Introduction to the course Outline of live session 1, the value of Youth Mental Health First Aid Introduce ALGEE Recap what mental health is Recap the Mental Health Continuum Stigma Recap why Youth Mental Health First Aid is important Recap risk and protective factors The Stress Container The Frame of Reference Session 2: Depression, Anxiety & Self-Care Individual learning (1 hour 15 minutes): Activity 8: Your Stress Container Activity 9: Your Frame of Reference Activity 10: What is depression? Activity 11: What is anxiety? Live session (2 hours 10 minutes): Introduction to live session 2 Recap of homework after live session 1 Recap depression Signs and symptoms of depression in a young person Recap anxiety Signs and symptoms of anxiety in a young person ALGEE for depression and anxiety in a young person ALGEE for depression and anxiety, action 1 ALGEE for depression and anxiety, action 2-5 Self-care and close Session 3: Suicide & PsychosisIndividual learning (1 hour 20 minutes) Activity 12: Adolescent brain development Activity 13: About suicide Activity 14: Suicide risk factors Activity 15: What is psychosis? Activity 16: Lived experience of psychosis Activity 17: ALGEE for psychosis Live session (2 hours 5 minutes) Introduction to live session 3 Recap suicide Explore the impact of suicidal feelings ALGEE for suicidal crisis Practice non-judgemental listening skills Recap psychosis Recap warning signs and symptoms of psychosis Recap ALGEE for psychosis Session 4: Self-harm, Recovery & Action PlanningIndividual learning (1 hour 35 minutes) Activity 18: What is self-harm? Activity 19: What are eating disorders? Activity 20: Resilience Workbook activity 7: My action plan for using Youth Mental Health First Aid (completed after live session) Live session (2 hours 25 minutes) Introduction to live session 4 Recap self-harm, the self-harm continuum Warning signs of self-harm in young people ALGEE for self-harm Recap eating disorders ALGEE for eating disorders Applying MHFA to family and carers; the Recovery Tree Evaluation forms and close
I’ll share a case of visual hallucinations, showing how an existential-phenomenological approach helps understand their meaning and purpose. We aim to explore the lived experiences on irregular perceptions of reality with an open mind. Each Saturday includes: a live dialogue between Prof. Ernesto Spinelli and an International Existential Therapist; a moment to share your thoughts and feelings with the teachers; and a final integration facilitated by Bárbara Godoy. This series of ten dialogues set out to explore the multifaceted dimentions and complexities associated with Existential Therapies. It attempts to engage with various interpretations of insanity through the lens of patients often painful, confounding, and deeply unsettling life experiences. Hallucination- between Prof. Ernesto Spinelli and Prof. Simon du Ploc “The phenomenon of hallucination has been a subject of debate for centuries. It has been suggested that its function was one of revelation or prophesy, and those who hallucinated were often considered to have a ‘sacred’ affliction. In recent times, their function, at least in the West since the Age of Reason, has been often been reduced to primary indicators of schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis. Lumped into the ‘core phenomena’ of schizophrenia, the concern is not so much what they are, or what they mean to the client, or even their content, but their treatment and control. I will present an excerpt from my own clinical practice with a client who presented with distressing visual hallucinations. This piece of work illustrates how approaching such irregular perceptions of reality from an existential-phenomenological perspective can provide a way of understanding their meaning and purpose within a client’s lived experience. I will suggest that such an approach also enables us to take a creative position regarding wider notions of sanity and madness, a position which enables us to navigate a path between, on the one hand, the medical model which typically focusses on reduction and management of hallucinations, and on the other hand, a Laingian view of hallucination as a route to ‘hyper-sanity’. Adopting such a path may enable us to work more confidently with clients when they present with unusual or disturbing perceptions.” Prof. Simon du Ploc. Prof. Simon du Plock is Senior Research Fellow at the Metanoia Institute, London. He was Head of the Faculty of Post-Qualification and Professional Doctorates at the Institute from 2007 to 2020, in which role he directed counselling psychology and psychotherapy research doctorates jointly with Middlesex University. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Medicine, a Foundation Member with Senior Practitioner Status of the BPS Register of Psychologists Specialising in Psychotherapy, and a Member of the BPS Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors. He has been a BPS Chartered Counselling Psychologist and UKCP Registered Psychotherapist since 1994. He has authored nearly one hundred journal papers and book chapters on existential therapy, and he has co-edited Existential Analysis, the Journal of the British Society for Existential Analysis, since 1993. He was an editor of the 2019 Wiley World Handbook of Existential Therapy. He has lectured and trained internationally, and in 2006 he was made an Honorary Member of the East European Association for Existential Therapy in recognition of his contribution to cooperation between West and East Europe in the development of existential psychotherapy. His clinical and research interests include phenomenological research methodology, clinical and research supervision, existential pedagogy, and working with issues of addiction and dependency. Prof. Ernesto Spinelli was Chair of the Society for Existential Analysis between 1993 and 1999 and is a Life Member of the Society. His writings, lectures and seminars focus on the application of existential phenomenology to the arenas of therapy, supervision, psychology, and executive coaching. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) as well as an APECS accredited executive coach and coaching supervisor. In 2000, he was the Recipient of BPS Division of Counselling Psychology Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession. And in 2019, Ernesto received the BPS Award for Distinguished Contribution to Practice. His most recent book, Practising Existential Therapy: The Relational World 2nd edition (Sage, 2015) has been widely praised as a major contribution to the advancement of existential theory and practice. Living up to the existential dictum that life is absurd, Ernesto is also the author of an on-going series of Private Eye novels. Date and Time: Saturday 15 November from 2 pm to 3 pm – (UK time) Individual Dialogue Fee: £70 Venue: Online Zoom FULL PROGRAMME 2025: 25 January “Knots” with Prof. Ernesto Spinelli and Bárbara Godoy 22 February “Healing” with Dr. Michael Guy Thompson and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 22 March “Difference” with Prof. Tod DuBose and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 12 April “Polarisation” with Prof. Kirk Schneider and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 3 May “Character” with Prof. Robert Romanyshyn and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 21 June “Opening” with Dr. Yaqui Martinez and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 19 July “Meaning” with Dr. Jan Resnick and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 25 October “Invention” with Dr. Betty Cannon and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 15 November “Hallucination” with Prof. Simon du Plock and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 13 December “Hysteria” with Bárbara Godoy and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli Read the full programme here > Course Organised by:
ð Introducing: Mental Health First Aid Course! ð Are you ready to make a profound difference in people's lives? Dive into the world of mental health with our comprehensive Mental Health First Aid Course. ð§ In today's fast-paced world, mental health issues are more prevalent than ever. But the good news is, you can play a crucial role in providing support and assistance to those in need. This course is your gateway to understanding, identifying, and responding to mental health challenges effectively. ðª Benefits of Mental Health First Aid Course: Empowerment: Gain the confidence and skills to recognize the signs of mental health issues early on. Early Intervention: Learn how to provide immediate support to individuals experiencing mental health crises, potentially preventing escalation. Reduced Stigma: Break down barriers surrounding mental health by fostering understanding and empathy in your community. Enhanced Communication: Develop effective communication strategies to connect with and support individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Self-Care: Discover essential self-care techniques to maintain your own mental well-being while supporting others. Community Impact: Make a tangible difference in your community by becoming a trusted mental health advocate and resource. ð©âï¸ Who is this for? Healthcare Professionals: Nurses, doctors, psychologists, and counselors seeking to enhance their skills in mental health support. Educators: Teachers, school counselors, and administrators interested in creating supportive environments for students' mental well-being. Human Resources Personnel: HR professionals looking to promote mental wellness in the workplace and provide effective support to employees. Community Leaders: Social workers, community organizers, and volunteers aiming to create inclusive and supportive communities. Parents and Caregivers: Individuals interested in understanding and supporting the mental health needs of their loved ones. Anyone: Individuals passionate about mental health advocacy and making a positive impact in their communities. ð Career Path Completing the Mental Health First Aid Course opens doors to various fulfilling career paths and opportunities, including: Mental Health Advocate: Champion mental health awareness and support within your community or organization. Mental Health Counselor/Therapist: Pursue further education and training to become a licensed mental health professional. Peer Support Specialist: Offer lived experience support to individuals navigating mental health challenges. Mental Health Educator: Facilitate workshops and training sessions to raise awareness and educate others about mental health. Corporate Wellness Coordinator: Work within organizations to promote employee well-being and implement mental health initiatives. Embark on a journey of compassion, understanding, and empowerment with our Mental Health First Aid Course. Together, let's make a positive impact on mental health and create a healthier, happier world for all. ð Don't wait! Enroll now and become a beacon of hope and support in your community! ð FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for Mental Health First Aid Course Q1: What is Mental Health First Aid? A: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. It aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention in mental health issues. Q2: Who can benefit from Mental Health First Aid training? A: MHFA training is beneficial for anyone interested in learning how to support individuals experiencing mental health problems or crises. This includes but is not limited to teachers, healthcare professionals, employers, community workers, and family members. Essentially, anyone who interacts with others can benefit from MHFA training. Q3: What will I learn in a Mental Health First Aid course? A: In an MHFA course, you will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and psychosis. You'll also learn how to provide initial assistance, offer non-judgmental support, and guide individuals towards appropriate professional help. Additionally, the course covers self-care strategies and techniques for maintaining mental well-being. Q4: How long does Mental Health First Aid training take? A: The duration of MHFA training varies depending on the format and provider. Typically, it ranges from one to three days. Some courses are offered in-person, while others may be conducted online. Regardless of the format, MHFA training provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to effectively support individuals in mental health distress. Q5: Is Mental Health First Aid certification recognized internationally? A: Yes, Mental Health First Aid certification is recognized globally. The program originated in Australia in 2001 and has since been adapted and implemented in numerous countries worldwide. Many organizations, institutions, and workplaces acknowledge MHFA certification as a valuable asset in promoting mental health literacy and creating supportive environments. Course Curriculum Module 1 Understanding Mental Health Understanding Mental Health 00:00 Module 2 Using the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan Using the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan 00:00 Module 3 Crisis Situations and Emergency Interventions Crisis Situations and Emergency Interventions 00:00 Module 4 Understanding and Responding to Mental Health Crises Understanding and Responding to Mental Health Crises 00:00 Module 5 Mental Health Problems Mental Health Problems 00:00
An E-Learning Course by Born at the Right Time Created by Rachel Wright, with leading voices in the field Welcome to the Masterclass in Parent Carer Trauma Going beyond awareness to meaningful action This powerful and timely course explores the trauma experienced by parent carers. Drawing on the latest research and the expertise of professionals with lived experience, this course offers practical, responsive strategies for professionals working across health, education, and social care. Parent carers are often navigating extreme and ongoing stress while advocating for their children and working alongside hard working practitioners within often fragmented and uncoordinated systems. This course helps to understand, recognise, and respond to that trauma with empathy, authority, and actionable care. As with all Born at the Right Time training, this course will be Rooted in Lived Experience Informed by Research Delivering Actionable Solutions Who This Course is For? This masterclass is for professionals working in Special Educational Needs (SEN), health, education, and social care, including those in face-to-face, managerial, and commissioning roles. This is not a course in clinical diagnosis or treatment of trauma. Rather, it is designed for the many non-trauma specialist professionals who routinely work alongside families. It is for the myriad of practitioners whose interactions can either unintentionally cause harm or become a source of empowerment. What You’ll Gain A clear understanding of how trauma is expressed in parent carers Insight into systems-generated trauma and the unintended potential harm from repetitive assessments, fragmented services, and disempowering practices Knowledge of the impact of trauma on parent carer health and well-being, including suicide risk The unseen negative impact parent carer trauma has on practitioners and the systems they work within Practical strategies to create safe, trusting relationships with parent carers Communication strategies that prioritise empathy, respect, and emotional regulation A trauma-informed lens that supports collaboration, co-production and personalised care Reflection opportunities to consider how you and your service can make meaningful change Learn From Leading Voices This course features insights and teaching from some of the most respected names in the fields of trauma, disability, and parent carer lived experience including: Dr Joanna Griffin – Counselling Psychologist, parent carer, author of Day by Day, and founder of Affinity Hub Dr Julie Calveley – Learning Disability Nurse, Founder of NAC, specialising in trauma and wellbeing in people with complex disabilities Dr Ana Aiello – completed her PhD at the School of Law, University of Leeds. Currently working as the Cerebra Postdoctoral Researcher at Leeds University. Dr Siobhan O’Dwyer – Associate Professor in Social Care at Birmingham University, leading international research into parent carer suicide and homicide Dr George Julian – Journalist and knowledge transfer consultant focused on the deaths of learning disabled and autistic people Elly Chapple – Dynamic speaker, inclusion advocate and change-maker, known for her message to #FlipTheNarrative Why This Matters Parent carers save the UK economy over £132 billion annually through their unpaid labour (Carers UK, 2020), yet face chronic stress and deteriorating health outcomes (Miodrag & Hodapp, 2010; Fraser, 2023). Systems often inadvertently cause further trauma, eroding trust and damaging relationships. As a practitioner, you have the power to reduce harm and promote a safe, collaborative environment. By understanding trauma and responding with empathy, clarity, and purpose—you can help create environments that promote safety, dignity, and growth. Course Features Interactive content and reflection activities Real-life case studies and downloadable tools Evidence-informed strategies you can apply immediately Learn at your own pace, anytime Certificate of completion provided Testimonials Take the Next Step Join a community of professionals who are reimagining what it means to work with families. This course is a call to action—one that moves beyond awareness into meaningful, compassionate practice. ➡️ Enrol now in the Masterclass in Parent Carer Trauma. Inclusion and Diversity Statement We acknowledge that trauma is experienced differently depending on intersectional identities. Race, gender, sexuality, disability, culture, and class profoundly shape how families encounter and navigate trauma. At Born at the Right Time, we are committed to inclusive, equitable practice that recognises and values the rich diversity of all families. We strive to amplify marginalised voices and challenge the structural inequalities that continue to impact outcomes for parent carers and their children. Content Warning This course contains accounts of traumatic lived experiences, including discussions of suicide, homicide, and systemic injustice. We encourage participants to engage with care and consider their own wellbeing while participating in this training. This is a flexible e-learning course, which can also be delivered in-person by Born at the Right Time’s experienced trainers. To book a bespoke session focused on your specific objectives, context and learner needs, email: training@bornattherighttime.com
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England Training with Mindmaps Wellbeing Enhance workplace wellbeing and mental health awareness with MHFA England-certified training by Mindmaps Wellbeing. Our expert-led courses, delivered by Registered Mental Health Nurses and Healthcare Educators, equip you with the skills to recognize, support, and respond to mental health challenges. Whether online or in-person, our training ensures flexible learning options without compromising quality. Join us to gain certification as a Mental Health First Aider and access exclusive benefits like ongoing peer support, expert forums, and resources for self-care. Book now with Mindmaps Wellbeing and take the first step toward a healthier, more supportive environment for all.
Survivor and whistleblower of multigenerational human trafficking exposes systemic, organised abuse (human trafficking) in places that are purposed for helping vulnerable people– including victims of trafficking and refugees in the UK. Providing next-level education on the societal structures which enable this abuse, what precisely has led to a global legacy of abuse, and what is needed to correct it. Highly engaging and motivating event to empower the everyman to do their part in abolishing human trafficking. If you want a world without abuse, you have a role in creating it. Find out what that is today. The victims can't wait for tomorrow.
Course Outcomes As an MHFAider® you will be able to: Recognise those that may be experiencing poor mental health and provide them with first-level support and early intervention Encourage a person to identify and access sources of professional help and other supports Practise active listening and empathy Have a conversation with improved mental health literacy around language and stigma Discuss the MHFAider® role in depth, including boundaries and confidentiality Practise self-care 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 Format Learners will be trained over four live sessions with an MHFA England Instructor Member, covering 14 hours of content in total. Learning takes place through a mix of instructor led training, group discussions, individual and group activities. Each session builds on the previous, 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. We strive for all of our learning content to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. Takeaways Everyone who completes this course gets: A hard copy workbook to support their learning throughout the course A digital manual to refer to whenever they need it after completing the course A wallet-sized reference card with the Mental Health First Aid action plan A digital 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 Becoming a qualified MHFAider® Once you complete the Mental Health First Aid course, you can test your knowledge and build your confidence in your role as an MHFAider® with the internationally recognised MHFAider® qualification, RSPH Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid. Course Structure Session 1: Mental Health First Aid and the action plan The MHFAider® role and self-care Helpful and unhelpful language Useful models to support the role Session 2: What influences mental health? What is anxiety? Crisis first aid Active listening and empathy What are eating disorders? What is self-harm? What is substance misuse? Session 3: Applying the Mental Health First Aid action plan What is depression? What is suicide? Crisis first aid continued What is psychosis? Session 4: Recovery and lived experience Boundaries in the MHFAider® role Moving forward in the MHFAider® role My MHFA action plan
Join Martyn, a recovering addict with over 20 years of sobriety, and Jacky Power, an Advanced Practitioner in addiction, as they blend lived experience with professional expertise to explore the cycle of addiction—and how to break free. With addiction affecting millions worldwide, the need for support and understanding has never been greater. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 35 million people suffer from substance use disorders globally, yet only 1 in 7 receive treatment. In the UK alone, around 275,000 adults are in contact with drug and alcohol services each year, highlighting the widespread impact of addiction. Whether you're personally affected by addiction, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to understand more, this session will offer valuable perspectives and strategies for change.
Creating sensory backpacks for families with Special Educational Needs (SEND) Webinar recording Do you want to create sensory backpacks for families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), but don’t know where to start? About this training In the UK, 11% of children are disabled and in England, 18.4% have special educational needs. Adding non-disabled siblings to these numbers increases this potential audience to a fifth of children in the UK. This simple fact is a powerful advocacy tool to make a business case for SEND inclusion in your museum. One way to support SEND families during a visit is to create a sensory backpack. These resources don’t cost a lot to create, and they can make a powerful difference to a SEND family’s visit. Their economic impact, promoting a longer dwell time and potentially greater spend in the museum, pays back an initial investment quickly. In this session, SEND in Museums Consultant Sam Bowen will guide you through how to create a sensory backpack, drawing on her own professional museum learning knowledge and lived experience as a parent of a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). During this virtual training event, we will: · Understand the barriers SEND families face when visiting museums, · Explore examples of best practice in museums for creating sensory backpacks, · Share top tips on how to create backpacks that are bespoke for your setting. Take a look at the full schedule. Who should attend? This training is aimed at staff at museums, art galleries and heritage sites who are interested in making their organisations more welcoming to families with SEND. Please note, this is a recording of a session which took place on 4 June 2025.