Why choose CPSL Mind?

Did you know? Our MHFA learners increase their knowledge by 44% over the two-day course (Self-rated averages from May 2022 to March 2024)

MHFA is suitable for any group age 18+ interested in developing the skills and understanding to support the mental health of others. We request a group size of 8-16 people per MHFA course.

• Our MHFA training can be online or face-to-face.
• Our MHFAiders® go on to support people in both their everyday lives and their workplaces.
• You will receive continued support for three years after training.
• We recommend you refresh your learning every three years to stay up-to-date.

We are always looking for ways to improve our accessibility. We can offer large print resources, lesson plans and information for interpreters, and take venue needs into account when booking. Contact us if you’d like to find out more.

CPSL Mind’s trainers are accredited MHFA England Instructor Members. They can deliver MHFA courses to your group across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire.

What you will learn

Just like physical first aid, you can be skilled in mental health or ‘psychological’ first aid.

By becoming a Mental Health First Aider, you will be able to:

• Recognise signs of poor mental health
• Provide early support and intervention
• Encourage someone to identify their own sources of help and support
• Practice active listening and empathy skills
• Understand stigma around mental health
• Be able to have a mental health conversation
• Understand confidentiality and boundary-setting in the role
• Practice self-care for your own wellbeing.

You will gain access to further learning and events through the Online Learning Hub. You will also have three years’ unlimited support via a MHFAider® Support App®.

You must complete the entire course to gain your certification and become a MHFAider®.

This course discusses depression, anxiety, stress, panic attacks, eating problems, self-harm, suicide, and psychosis. We take the safety of all our participants seriously during training.

MHFA in the workplace

Introducing certified Mental Health First Aiders to the workplace can be an effective way to equip and support staff.

Being a MHFAider® is a voluntary role, so may be good for those looking for extra responsibility. They should also be trustworthy, easy to contact, feel the role is right for them, and have the time and support to take on the role.

On average, our MHFA learners increase their confidence 41% by completing the course. (Participant self-ratings from May 2022 to March 2024)

If you are looking at introducing MHFA to your organisation:

• Does your staff need more support? This may be for themselves, their colleagues, and/or the people they may serve. We recommend thinking about their current wellbeing levels.
• Do your senior leadership team agree that more support should be on offer? Are they willing to invest? They may have an employee wellbeing policy this could link to.
• Can MHFA be introduced easily across your organisation? Will it fit within your current structure? You may want to trial it in one area first, for example.
• How will the MHFA service be promoted to your staff? Intranets, physical noticeboards, and staff one-to-ones can play a role here.

CPSL Mind’s Training team are on hand to discuss these areas with you and help form a plan of action.

We also offer peer support sessions for your MHFAiders®. These can help them feel supported, and able to discuss their MHFA conversations in a safe space.

If your staff support young people in secondary or higher education, we can provide Higher Education MHFA and Youth MHFA. Please contact us for more information.