Mental Health First Aid › 2-Day MHFAider

Mental Health First Aid

Create a workplace where people don't have to struggle alone.

Mental Health First Aiders are trained to spot the early signs of poor mental health, listen without judgement, provide initial support and signpost colleagues to the appropriate help before problems escalate. By creating a network of trained Mental Health First Aiders, organisations encourage earlier conversations, strengthen workplace wellbeing and create a culture where people feel supported to ask for help.

Stress, depression and anxiety remain the leading cause of work-related ill health in Great Britain.

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Course overview

How the two days run

What you'll leave with

  • MHFAider certification valid for three years
  • MHFA England workbook and digital manual
  • Three years' access to the MHFAider Support App
  • 24/7 confidential text support
  • Online Learning Hub access
  • Membership of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders
  • The confidence to provide early support in the workplace
Keep it live

Certification lasts three years. A half-day Refresher keeps it current.

See the Refresher →

Key benefits

What a network of first aiders gives you

Why invest in Mental Health First Aiders?

Poor mental health affects more than just the individual involved

It affects productivity, morale, retention and sickness absence. Mental Health First Aiders provide an approachable first point of contact, helping bridge the gap between employees, managers, HR and Employee Assistance Programmes. They are not counsellors or therapists, but they encourage earlier conversations, reduce stigma and help colleagues access the right support before problems escalate. Mental Health First Aiders are most effective when they're part of a wider network. Having trained people across different teams and locations makes it easier for employees to find someone they trust, encourages earlier conversations and helps create a culture where asking for help feels normal.

  • Encourage earlier conversations about mental health
  • Build confidence across the workforce
  • Reduce stigma around asking for help
  • Strengthen wellbeing and retention strategies
  • Support earlier intervention before problems escalate
  • Demonstrate a visible commitment to employee wellbeing

Why choose EDP Training

Mental Health First Aid is nationally recognised, but who delivers it matters

Bianca combines lived experience, nearly a decade as an MHFA England Associate Instructor and practical workplace examples to help learners leave feeling confident to put their learning into practice from day one.

  • MHFA England Associate Instructor since 2017
  • Trusted to deliver MHFA England courses for their own clients
  • 300+ MHFA courses delivered
  • 5,000+ learners trained
  • CIPD Level 5 qualified
  • Practical, engaging delivery using real workplace scenarios

What a Mental Health First Aider does

Trained to spot, listen, support and signpost

Spot the early signs

Recognise when someone may be struggling before problems escalate.

Listen without judgement

Create a safe space where someone feels heard.

Provide initial support

Respond with empathy and reassurance.

Signpost to the right help

Encourage access to appropriate professional support and resources.

Check in

Follow up to show continued care and encourage ongoing support.

Mental Health First Aiders are not therapists or counsellors. They provide initial support until appropriate professional help can be accessed.

What you'll learn

Over the two days, learners develop the skills to

  • Understand common mental health conditions
  • Recognise the early signs someone may be struggling
  • Hold supportive conversations using the MHFA Action Plan
  • Respond appropriately in a mental health crisis
  • Understand professional support services and signposting
  • Maintain their own wellbeing while supporting others

Who it's for

Built for the people who will hold the conversations

  • Organisations creating or expanding their network of Mental Health First Aiders
  • Employers committed to improving workplace wellbeing
  • HR, Wellbeing and People teams
  • Managers and employees nominated to become MHFAiders

The other side of EDP

Did you know we also deliver Race Equity training?

Supporting wellbeing means creating workplaces where everyone feels they belong. Whether your organisation is just getting started or wants to build on previous learning, our Race Equity programmes help teams develop the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to create more inclusive workplaces.

Take our free Race Equity Health Check →

Common questions

What organisations ask us

How many Mental Health First Aiders do we need?

MHFA England recommends around one Mental Health First Aider for every 50 employees, giving mental health support comparable to physical first aid.

How many people can attend?

The course is designed for 8 to 16 learners, allowing plenty of opportunity for discussion and interaction.

Can the course be delivered online?

Yes. The course can be delivered online or in person with the same learning outcomes.

Can the two days be split up?

Yes. The course can be delivered over two full days or four half-day sessions to fit around your organisation.

Is this a qualification?

Learners receive official MHFA England certification, valid for three years. Those wishing to gain a formal qualification can also complete the optional RSPH Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid.

How long is the certification valid?

Certification lasts three years. MHFA England recommends a Refresher every three years to maintain confidence, update knowledge and renew certification.