FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health (RQF)

Mental health awareness is becoming an increasingly important part of workplace wellbeing and organisational culture. Research shows that approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition each year, while workplace stress, anxiety, and depression continue to affect employee wellbeing and performance across all sectors.

The FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health provides learners with the knowledge and confidence to recognise signs of poor mental health, start supportive conversations, and understand how to signpost individuals towards appropriate professional help. While learners are not trained to diagnose or treat mental health conditions, they will develop the skills needed to offer reassurance, reduce stigma, and contribute towards healthier workplace environments.

This regulated qualification explores common mental health conditions, the impact of stress, and the importance of early support and positive communication within the workplace. The course is designed to increase awareness, encourage understanding, and help organisations build more open and supportive workplace cultures around mental wellbeing.

By completing this qualification, organisations can strengthen workplace wellbeing initiatives, improve staff awareness and confidence, and demonstrate a proactive commitment to supporting mental health across their workforce.

Who This Course Is For

This qualification is suitable for employees across all workplace sectors and is ideal for anyone wanting to improve their awareness and understanding of mental health.

This includes:

• Managers and Supervisors
• Team Leaders and HR Professionals
• Office and Administrative Staff
• Care, Education, Hospitality, and Retail Staff
• Volunteers and Community Workers
• Workplace Wellbeing Champions
• Any employee interested in promoting positive mental health awareness

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, 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 approach supportive conversations sensitively, offer reassurance, and understand when professional or emergency support may be required.

Recognise and Manage Stress

Understand the signs of stress and explore practical ways stress can be recognised and managed within workplace environments.

Promote Positive Mental Health Awareness

Develop greater awareness and confidence in supporting positive mental wellbeing and contributing towards more open, supportive, and inclusive workplace cultures.

Flexible Delivery to Suit Your Organisation

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

Classroom-Based Delivery

Delivered over a minimum of 4 guided learning hours and completed within 1 day or across a maximum of 2 weeks. Classroom delivery includes trainer-led learning, discussion, and written assessment. 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 (2 guided learning hours), or continuous live video training (4 guided learning hours). Total Qualification Time is 5 hours, including independent study. Both routes must be completed within 2 weeks, with a maximum of 20 learners per trainer/assessor. Remote assessment uses a professional discussion with the trainer/assessor. 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 1 Award in Awareness of 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.