FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health (RQF)

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, at any time, and are increasingly recognised as one of the leading causes of workplace absence, reduced wellbeing, and decreased performance. Research shows that at least 1 in 6 employees experience common mental health problems such as anxiety or depression within the workplace, while stigma and fear of discrimination often prevent individuals from seeking support.

The FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health provides learners with the knowledge, confidence, and practical understanding required to recognise signs of poor mental health, provide initial support, and guide individuals towards appropriate professional help. While learners are not trained to diagnose or treat mental health conditions, they will gain the skills needed to identify when someone may be struggling, offer reassurance, and support positive conversations around mental wellbeing.

This regulated qualification also explores the impact of stress, substance misuse, and workplace pressures on mental wellbeing, while helping organisations create healthier workplace cultures built on openness, support, and early intervention. Learners will develop an understanding of the First Aid for Mental Health Action Plan and how positive mental health practices can be embedded within everyday workplace environments.

By completing this qualification, organisations can strengthen staff wellbeing, improve confidence in supporting colleagues experiencing mental health difficulties, and demonstrate a proactive commitment to workplace welfare and psychological safety.

Who This Course Is For

This qualification is suitable for individuals across all workplace sectors who want to improve mental health awareness and support positive wellbeing within their organisation.

This includes:

• Managers and Supervisors
• Team Leaders and HR Professionals
• Workplace Wellbeing Leads
• Designated Mental Health First Aiders
• Care, Education, Hospitality, and Retail Staff
• Office and Administrative Staff
• Any employee interested in supporting positive mental wellbeing within the workplace

Learners must be a minimum of 14 years of age to undertake this qualification.

Key Learning Outcomes

By enrolling your team in this course, they will master how to:

Understand Mental Health and the Role of a First Aider

Develop an understanding of mental health, the factors that can affect wellbeing, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the role of a Mental Health First Aider.

Recognise Common Mental Health Conditions

Identify signs and symptoms associated with a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide.

Start Supportive Conversations

Learn how to provide practical support, offer reassurance, start supportive conversations, and understand when professional or emergency support may be required.

Recognise and Manage Stress

Understand the signs of stress and explore strategies that can help individuals manage stress more effectively within the workplace.

Understand the Impact of Substance Misuse

Explore the effects that alcohol and drug misuse can have on mental health, employment, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

Apply the First Aid for Mental Health Action Plan

Develop confidence in implementing the First Aid for Mental Health Action Plan and responding appropriately when supporting someone experiencing mental health difficulties.

Promote Positive Mental Health Culture

Gain insight into how organisations can create supportive workplace cultures that encourage openness, wellbeing, and early intervention.

Flexible Delivery to Suit Your Organisation

We understand that organisations require flexible training solutions, which is why this qualification offers multiple delivery pathways.

Classroom-Based Delivery

Delivered over a minimum of 6 guided learning hours and completed within 1 day or across a maximum of 3 weeks. Classroom delivery includes trainer-led discussion, practical activities, written assessment, and demonstration of the First Aid for Mental Health Action Plan. Learner ratios are capped at 16 learners per trainer/assessor to maintain high-quality interaction and support.

Distance Learning Delivery

Remote delivery is available through self-study supported by webinars (3 guided learning hours), or continuous live video training (6 guided learning hours). Total Qualification Time is 7 hours, including independent study. Both routes must be completed within 3 weeks, with a maximum of 20 learners per trainer/assessor. Remote assessment uses a professional discussion and practical demonstration of the mental health first aid action plan. Contact us to discuss the route and any learning or access needs before booking.

Important Details

Regulated Qualification

This course leads to the FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health (RQF), awarded by First Aid Awards (FAA) and regulated by Ofqual.

Entry Recommendations

Learners must be at least 14 years of age. It is recommended that learners hold a minimum Level 1 literacy standard or equivalent to support successful completion of the qualification.

Qualification Validity

The qualification is valid for 3 years from the date of achievement. Annual refresher training is strongly recommended to maintain confidence, competence, and awareness of evolving best practice. Learners must complete the full course again to requalify for a further 3 years.

Progression Opportunities

Learners who complete this qualification may progress onto higher-level FAA First Aid for Mental Health qualifications or diversify into additional FAA qualifications, including First Aid, Fire Safety, Safeguarding, Food Safety, and Manual Handling.