FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid For Mental Health

Introduction

This six-hour course covers the content of the Level 1 course – aimed at providing learners with the knowledge to identify suspected mental health conditions and the skills to start a conversation and be able to signpost the person towards professional help, but also expands on the effects of drugs and alcohol, incorporates the First Aid for Mental Health Action Plan and covers ways in which a positive mental health culture can be supported within a workplace

This course provides individuals with the knowledge to recognise a range of mental health conditions, how to start a supportive conversation and when and how to signpost a person to seek appropriate professional help.

This course is awarded by First Aid Awards Limited.

What Will I Learn?

This course provides individuals with:

• The knowledge to recognise a range of mental health conditions.
• The skills to start a supportive conversation and when and how to signpost a person to seek appropriate professional help.
• The skills to recognise and manage stress and understand the impact of substance abuse.
• The knowledge to use the first aid action plan for mental health, be able to put it in place and know how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace.

Entry Requirements

• The qualification is available to individuals aged 14 or over.
• It is recommended that individuals should hold a minimum of Level 1 in literacy or equivalent to undertake this qualification.

Course Format

• The minimum classroom contact time of 6 hours can be spread over a maximum of 3 weeks.
• Each session must be a minimum of two hours.
• The class ratio for the qualification is a maximum of 16 learners to 1 Trainer/Assessor.

Learning Outcomes/Assessment Criteria

• Know what mental health is, why people develop mental health conditions and the role of a First Aider for mental health.
  • Define mental health.
  • Indicate understanding of the stigma surrounding mental health.
  • Identify factors that can affect a person’s mental health.Understand the role of a First Aider for mental health.
• Know how to provide advice and practical support for a person presenting a mental health condition.
  • Outline the advice that should be provided to a person suffering from a suspected mental health condition.
  • Know when to contact the emergency services in respect of first aid for mental health.
• Know how to recognise and manage stress.
  • Identify signs of stress.
  • State how stress can be managed.
• Know how to recognise a range of mental health conditions.
  • Identify signs and/or symptoms for the following mental health conditions:
    • Depression;
    • Anxiety;
    • Psychosis;
    • Eating disorders;
    • Suicide; and
    • Self-harm.
• Understand the impact of substance abuse on mental health.
  • State potential effects of alcohol and drug abuse on a person’s mental health.
  • Outline potential negative consequences of substance abuse on a person’s employment and lifestyle.
• Understand the first aid action plan for mental health and be able to put it in place.
  • Demonstrate the application of the first aid action plan for mental health.
• Know how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace.
  • State key factors in providing a positive mental health culture in the workplace.
  • Know how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace.

What Does the Course Not Do?

Individuals will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions as this can only be carried out by healthcare professionals but will gain the knowledge to identify when a person may have a condition and know where they can go to get help.

Assessment

The qualification is assessed through a written assessment paper and the practical demonstration of the first aid action plan for mental health. Individuals must successfully pass both parts of the assessment to be awarded the qualification. There is no grading of the assessment; individuals pass or are referred.

Accreditation

Individuals will on successful completion gain either the:

• RQF Level 2 First Aid for Mental Health; or
• SCQF Level 5 First Aid for Mental Health (students in Scotland).

The qualification is valid for three years from the date of achievement. It is strongly recommended that the individual attends annual refresher training. Individuals will need to complete the full course again to re-qualify for a further three years.

Progression

Individuals who achieve this qualification could progress on to the:

• FAA Level 3 Award in Supervising/Leading First Aid for Mental Health.