FAA Level 3 Award in Supervising/Leading First Aid For Mental Health

Introduction

This 12-hour course goes into detail on a wide range of mental health conditions and the support and help provided by healthcare professionals.

It covers the content of both the Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications but is aimed at supervisor/manager level within the workplace.

It provides individuals with the knowledge to recognise a range of mental health conditions and learn about the support/therapy provided by professional healthcare providers.

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 range of support/therapy provided by professional healthcare providers.
• 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 16 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 12 hours can be spread over a maximum of 6 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 suspected 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.
• 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.
• Understand a range of mental health disorders and the support/therapy provided by professional healthcare providers.
  • Describe the characteristics, including signs and/or symptoms, of each of the following mental health conditions:
    • Depression;
    • Anxiety;
    • PTSD;
    • Self-harm;
    • Suicide;
    • Eating disorders;
    • Personality disorders;
    • Bipolar;
    • Psychosis; and
    • Schizophrenia.
  • Describe the support & therapy provided by professional healthcare providers for the following mental health conditions:
    • Depression;
    • Anxiety;
    • PTSD;
    • Self-harm;
    • Suicide;
    • Eating disorders;
    • Personality disorders;
    • Bipolar;
    • Psychosis; and
    • Schizophrenia.

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 two written assessment papers and the practical demonstration of the first aid action plan for mental health. Individuals must successfully pass all 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 3 Supervising First Aid for Mental Health; or
• SCQF Level 6 Leading 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.