Public Health Somerset have provided funding to deliver free MHFA courses! When we have new dates announced, they can be applied for at the bottom of this page.

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course which teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. MHFA won’t teach you to be a therapist, but just like physical first aid, it will teach you to listen, reassure and respond. Our instructors provide a very safe learning environment and are trained to support you throughout the whole course.

What will I learn on the MHFA?

• An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing
• Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
• Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
• Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening
• Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support – whether that’s self-help resources, through their employer, the NHS, or a mix

The course is aimed at frontline workers, typically from the following areas:

• Statutory and voluntary sector workers in health, welfare or social justice
• Adult education, leisure and community safety staff and volunteers
• Emergency service workers
• General Practice staff