Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) — 2-day course
The flagship qualification. Trains you to spot the signs of mental ill health, respond with confidence and guide someone to appropriate support — the mental health equivalent of a physical first aid certificate.
The two-day Mental Health First Aid course is the most widely recognised mental health training qualification in England. Delivered by accredited MHFA England instructors, it qualifies you as a Mental Health First Aider — someone trained to recognise the warning signs of mental ill health, start a supportive conversation and signpost a person to appropriate help, whether that is self-help, their GP or emergency services.
The course is built around a practical action plan (ALGEE: Approach, Listen, Give support, Encourage professional help, Encourage other supports) and covers depression, anxiety, psychosis, eating disorders, self-harm and suicide. It combines instructor-led sessions, group discussion and individual reflection, and is designed to be safe and supportive for participants — you are never asked to share personal experiences.
Online delivery splits the course into four half-day live sessions with self-paced learning in between, making it easier to fit around work. The certification and content are the same whichever format you choose.
What you'll learn
- Recognise the early signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions
- Start a confident, non-judgemental conversation with someone who may be struggling
- Apply the ALGEE action plan, including in a crisis (suicidal thoughts, self-harm, psychotic episodes)
- Signpost to professional help and community support
- Look after your own wellbeing while supporting others
Who it's for
- Designated workplace Mental Health First Aiders
- HR, people and wellbeing leads
- Line managers with pastoral responsibility
- Anyone who wants a thorough grounding in supporting adult mental health
Things to consider
- Two full days is a real commitment — if you only need awareness-level knowledge, look at the half-day or one-day options
- This course trains you to support adults; for supporting young people, the Youth MHFA course is the better fit
Frequently asked questions
Is the qualification recognised by employers?
Yes — MHFA England certification is the most widely recognised mental health first aid qualification among UK employers, and many organisations specify it when appointing workplace Mental Health First Aiders.
How long does the certificate last?
The certificate does not formally expire, but MHFA England recommends a half-day Refresher course every three years to keep skills and knowledge current.
Is the online version as good as in person?
The content, accreditation and certificate are identical. Online suits distributed teams and individual learners; in-person tends to generate richer group discussion. Both are delivered live by an accredited instructor.