First Aid for Mental Health - Free Introduction
🌟 Already on a paid MHScot course? You can skip this intro. Feel free to share it with a colleague who’d benefit. 🌟
About this free introduction
This free intro gives you the first full module from our First Aid for Mental Health pathways. You’ll explore what First Aid for Mental Health is and isn’t, the Mental Health First Aider (First Aider) role and its limits, workplace factors and stigma, vicarious trauma and self-care, key statistics, a short quiz, and a brief reflective activity. It’s self-paced and practical.
About the name
Our regulated pathway is called First Aid for Mental Health. Many people use “mental health first aid” as a general term for similar skills. This free intro lets you try MHScot’s approach before choosing the accredited Awareness course or the full First Aider qualification.
How it works
- Learn in our online hub at your pace, then join the community forum and optional drop-ins.
- Allow around 50 minutes to complete the module.
- No assessment or certificate is included in the free intro.
- No deadlines and no payment details required.
Next steps
When you’re ready, continue to an accredited Awareness course or the full First Aider qualification. If your employer is funding your training, we can invoice them.
Not sure you’re ready?
Use our Mental Health First Aider Self-Assessment to check your readiness.
32 Lessons
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Award Information
About MHScot and the Team
Get to know the MHScot team. While the introduction is self-guided, you’ll have more support from us if you choose to take a full course.
Introduce yourself
Say hello to our community - access is free and open, with no sign-up required.
Community Forum
Find out how to use the Community Forum - join in, read, or share when you’re ready.
Your MHFA Journey: More Than One Path
Explore your personal MHFA journey and understand the many valid ways to support mental health at work beyond a formal role.
Learning Platform User Guide
See how to set up your profile and explore key features of our online learning platform.
About the two qualifications
Learn about our two UK-recognised mental health qualifications and what each course offers.
What are the differences between the two qualifications?
Learn mental health awareness and support through two courses, tailored for varying responsibilities and workplace needs.
How Our Mental Health First Aid Courses Compare
See how our qualifications differ from other well-known Mental Health First Aid courses in the UK.
What suits your learning style - group or one-to-one sessions?
Choose between in-house group sessions or small, focused sessions, find the learning approach that works best for you.
What do the two courses cover?
See exactly what each course covers so you can choose the content that fits your needs.
Setting expectations for your learning
et clear expectations for your online learning, know what’s required and how support works.
What's involved in the assessment
Complete a 1-to-1 verbal assessment via video call to achieve your qualification.
What other people have said...
Explore our testimonial page and see how our courses have empowered others in mental health training.
What is Mental Health First Aid - Minimum module completion time: 50 minutes
Access Your Free Module
Work through the full first module, shared by both our recognised qualifications, to experience the course for yourself.
Core Assessment Objectives
Minimum module completion time = 50 minutes
Do you know what Mental Health First Aid is?
Reflect on what Mental Health First Aid means to you and jot down your thoughts as a personal benchmark to revisit after completing the course.
Looking After Your Mental Health
Animated video promoting everyday ways to look after your mental health and wellbeing, part of the NHS Scotland “Ask, Tell” series.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health impacts our well-being, stress management, learning, work, and contributions to society.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid offers initial support, bridging the gap until assistance arrives or situation resolves.
Roles and Responsibilities
Mental Health First Aiders offer support, identify signs, listen, reduce stigma, and encourage help.
Understanding Vicarious Trauma
Explore the emotional impact of supporting others and how to spot and manage signs of vicarious trauma as a Mental Health First Aider.
The Impact of Poor Mental Health
Poor mental health affects daily life, work, education, physical health, family, and can worsen stigma.
Mental Health Stigma
Stigma in mental health includes public, self-stigma, label avoidance, and structural barriers to support.
The Effects of Stigma
Stigma causes shame, isolation, reluctance to seek help, and barriers to employment, worsening mental health.
Coping with Stigma
Overcoming stigma involves seeking help, educating others, joining support groups, and separating identity from diagnosis.
Reducing Stigma
Breaking mental health stigma: Understanding its impact on families and promoting acceptance through support
Mental Health Statistics
Decades of investment failed; addressing societal factors is key to improving mental health outcomes.
Quick Knowledge Quiz
Test your knowledge with a quick quiz on essential mental health first aid concepts.
Being a Mental Health First Aider - Reflective Practice
Reflect on what you've learned in this module.
Ready for the Next Step?
Taking the next step and booking
Ready to move forward? Book your place or browse our full range of mental health courses.
Introducing Mental Health First Aiders at Work and their Role as Champions
Crucial considerations needed before First Aiders for Mental Health carry out the role in the workplace
Connecting and Continuing
Explore MHScot resources to connect, learn, and support mental health, online events, drop-ins, and community tools at your fingertips