Level 2 Award An Introduction to First Aid for Mental Health

Course Introduction

This unit provides an introduction to the Level 2 Award An Introduction to First Aid for Mental Health course. It outlines the structure of the course and how the rest of the modules and units cover the course content.

An Introduction to Mental Health and Wellbeing

We begin the course by explaining what is meant by the terms "mental health" and "wellbeing", as well as mental ill-health. We then build on this point as we discuss how mental ill-health affects the experience of individuals. The unit concludes by looking at the mental health continuum.

Mental Health Issues

We're now going to look at signs and symptoms of mental health stress at work, before moving onto examining eight different mental health issues.

Understanding Mental Health

Next up in this first module is the role of stress and eustress, and how mental health impacts performance, both positively and negatively. We then explore the concept of cognitive appraisal, before rounding off the unit with diagnosis of mental ill-health.

Recovery and Resilience

In this penultimate unit of Module 1, we're going to look at recovery and the five protective factors for good mental health. We then dive a little deeper on this point as we explore strategies to manage your mental health and how you can build mental resilience.

Exam Preparation

This final unit of the first module explains how the first multiple-choice exam works. We show you the format of the exam and offer some examination tips. There is also a mock exam after this unit.

Module Overview

We begin Module 2 with an overview of how the units will cover the remainder of the course content.

The Principles of Mental Health First Aid

To kick things off with our second module, we define what is meant by the term "mental health first aid" and outline the role of a first aider. We then explore the need for confidentiality as a mental health first aider, as well as your boundaries and responsibilities.

Mental Health Issues

Next up in Module 2, we're going to look at how to recognise potential signs of poor mental health or mental ill-health in others. We'll also examine the link between physical and mental health, before finishing the unit with mental health in the workplace, and the different conversations you might have as a manager and a first aider.

The ABC Plan - First Aid Response

Now we'll turn our attention to the crux of mental health first aid: the ABC action plan for a first aid response. We'll outline what this action plan is, and consider how you might start a conversation with someone who may need help, but hasn't asked for your assistance. We'll also look at preparing a first aid response for some specific situations.

The ABC Plan - Supporting and Creating a Plan

We continue our exploration of the ABC plan by focusing on the "be there" phase of the plan. This includes non-judgemental listening, asking open-ended questions, and building empathy. The unit then concludes with the C part of the plan - how you can create an effective plan together.

Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace

In our penultimate unit of Module 2, we focus on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, and how we as mental health first aiders can promote a culture of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. We also look at the role that stress plays at work, and the importance of managing and protecting your own mental health when supporting others.

Exam Preparation

It's now time to get ready for your second end of course multiple-choice exam. In this unit, we remind you of the format of the second exam, and offer some examination tips. There is also a mock exam after this unit.