Mental health can be described as a state of wellbeing in which an individual realises their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to contribute to their community.
The role of a mental health first aider is to provide immediate, short-term support to an individual who may be experiencing a mental health difficulty or crisis. This may include listening in a non-judgemental manner, providing reassurance, communicating calmly and respectfully, and helping the individual to access appropriate support.
Mental health first aiders can make an important contribution to creating safer, more compassionate and supportive environments by promoting awareness, encouraging early intervention and responding appropriately to signs of distress.
The STA Award in Mental Health First Aid qualification is designed to provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to recognise when an individual may be experiencing a mental health difficulty or emotional distress and to respond appropriately. Mental health first aid focuses on early recognition, appropriate initial response and the provision of immediate support while further help is identified or accessed.
The qualification is suitable for learners who act as an appointed mental health first aider at work or in voluntary and community activities, or for personal interest and development.
How Will the Qualification Benefit You?
- Created by STA’s first experts, providing you with quality training
- Ofqual (England), Qualification Wales (Wales) and CCEA Regulation (Northern Ireland) at Level 3 and accredited by Qualifications Scotland Accreditation at SCQF Level 6 (pending approval)
- Partially mapped to the CIMSPA Working inclusively – Working with People with Mental Health Conditions professional standard and endorsed by CIMSPA with 7 CIMSPA CPD points (pending approval)
- Complies with industry guidance: Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1982, First aid at work: The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981: Guidance on Regulations (L74), First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum Delivery Standards and Assessment Principles, Resuscitation Council (UK) Guidelines
- Provides in-depth knowledge and the confidence to potentially save someone’s life
- Looks great on a CV and can help give you a head start when applying for jobs.
When You Get Your Qualification
- It lasts for three years
- Your course resource manual will act as a guide throughout the duration of your qualification, so it’s always there to refer back to should you ever need it
- We recommend that you attend an annual refresher to keep your knowledge up-to-date.
How to Take Your Qualification Further
Experienced mental health first aiders may wish to become an STA First Aid Tutor / Assessor to pass on the knowledge and skills they have acquired through training to others.
Alternatively, learners may wish to complete additional STA qualifications such as manual handling, fire marshal, lifesaving, swimming teaching and pool plant, to support a career in the leisure industry.
Interested? Before You Get Started…
You’ll need to make sure you’ve met the following requirements before you attend your course:
- Be 16 years of age or older at time of assessment
There are no previous qualifications or experience required, however it is advisable that learners have a minimum of level 1 in literacy and numeracy or equivalent.
To become an STA mental health first aid tutor, learners must attend a first aid tutor course. The pre-requisites to attend an STA first aid tutor course are:
- Be at least 19 years of age
- Hold current membership of STA
- Hold a minimum of the Level 3 Award in Education and Training qualification (or acceptable equivalent)
- Hold STA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (or acceptable equivalent)
- Hold STA Level 3 Award in Mental Health (or acceptable equivalent) if wishing to deliver mental health qualifications
- Provide evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
Existing STA First Aid tutors who wish to deliver the new STA mental health qualifications simply need to:
- Provide STA with a copy of a current STA Award in Mental Health First Aid qualification (or acceptable equivalent)
- Provide STA with evidence of relevant skills, knowledge, experience and competency to be able to tutor / assess the subject.