1 July 2026

What does mental health first aid training actually cost in 2026?

Most training providers keep their prices behind an enquiry form, which makes budgeting harder than it needs to be. We publish typical ranges openly — here’s the summary, and what actually drives the differences.

Typical open-course prices (per person)

• Half-day awareness (e.g. Mental Health Aware, FAA Level 1): £75–£125
• One-day courses (MHFA Champion, FAA Level 2, i-act): £125–£250
• Two-day qualifications (Adult or Youth MHFA, SMHFA, FAA Level 3): £150–£325
• Half-day refresher (for existing first aiders): £100–£150

Our pricing guide breaks these down course by course.

Typical private group prices

A private course — the trainer comes to you, or runs a session online just for your team — is usually priced per course, not per head:

• Half-day session (up to ~25 people for awareness): £500–£900
• One-day course (up to 16): £800–£1,500
• Two-day qualification (up to 16): £1,500–£2,600

At 16 participants, a £2,000 two-day private course works out at £125 per head — roughly half the typical open-course price. That’s why the rule of thumb is: from around eight people, go private.

What moves a quote up or down

1. Location. London and the South East run higher; trainer travel to remote areas adds cost.
2. Venue. If the trainer provides the room and catering, expect that in the price; hosting at your premises trims it.
3. What’s included. Manuals and workbooks are standard; some quotes include follow-up support sessions, which have real value for first-aider networks.
4. Instructor experience. Long-established instructors with deep sector experience charge more — often worth it for sensitive settings.
5. Online vs in person. Online saves venue and travel costs, typically landing quotes in the lower-middle of each range.

Watch-outs when comparing quotes

• Check the maximum group size — a cheap quote for “up to 12” can beat a pricier “up to 16” only if you actually have 12 or fewer.
• Confirm accreditation — the certificate is only worth something if the instructor is accredited by the relevant body for that exact course.
• Ask about cancellation and minimum-numbers terms on open courses.

Is it worth the money?

Training a first aider costs about the same as a decent office chair. Set against the cost of even one extended absence handled badly — let alone the human cost — most organisations conclude it’s one of the cheaper wellbeing interventions available. The key is buying the right course, which is exactly what our course chooser is for.

Want a firm number rather than a range? Send us the details — course, location, group size — and we’ll come back with a real quote, usually within a working day.