First Aid for Mental Health - FAA Level 2 Award
Each year approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition and at least 1 in 6 employees experience common mental health problems in the workplace. Research has shown that work is the biggest cause of stress which can stop people performing at their best. Mental health conditions are often hidden due to stigma and fear of discrimination and research has shown that a culture of fear and silence around mental health is costly to employers.
Description
Level 2 Award First Aid for Mental Health
Each year approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition and at least 1 in 6 employees experience common mental health problems in the workplace. Research has shown that work is the biggest cause of stress which can stop people performing at their best.
Mental health conditions are often hidden due to stigma and fear of discrimination and research has shown that a culture of fear and silence around mental health is costly to employers.
The HSE guidance ‘First aid needs assessment’ refers to mental health in the workplace.
This 6-hour qualification provides learners with the knowledge to recognise a range of mental health conditions, how to start a supportive conversation and when and how to signpost a person to seek appropriate professional help. Learners will know how to recognise and manage stress and understand the impact of substance abuse. They will learn about the first aid action plan for mental health, be able to put it in place and know how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace.
Learners will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions as this can only be carried out by healthcare professionals but will gain the knowledge to identify when a person may have a condition and know where they
can go to get help.
Detailed information can be found in the Qualification Specification including the qualification structure and codes, entry requirements, qualification delivery, certification, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria and assessment information.
Know what mental health is, why people develop mental health conditions and the role of a First Aider for mental health
- 1.1 Define mental health
- 1.2 Indicate understanding of the stigma surrounding mental health
- 1.3 Identify factors that can affect a person’s mental health
- 1.4 Understand the role of a First Aider for mental health
Know how to provide advice and practical support for a person presenting a mental health condition
- 2.1 Outline the advice that should be provided to a person suffering from a suspected mental health condition
- 2.2 Know when to contact the emergency services in respect of first aid for mental health
Know how to recognise and manage stress
- 3.1 Identify signs of stress
- 3.2 State how stress can be managed
Know how to recognise a range of mental health conditions
4.1 Identify signs and/or symptoms for the following mental health conditions:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Eating disorders
- Suicide
- Self-harm
Understand the impact of substance abuse on mental health
- 5.1 State potential effects of alcohol and drug abuse on a person’s mental health
- 5.2 Outline potential negative consequences of substance abuse on a person’s employment and lifestyle
Understand the first aid action plan for mental health and be able to put it in place
- 6.1 Demonstrate the application of the first aid action plan for mental health
Know how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace
- 7.1 State key factors in providing a positive mental health culture in the workplace
- 7.2 Know how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace
Reasonable Adjustments
The Equality Act 2010 requires FAA to make reasonable adjustments for disabled learners. The purpose of a reasonable adjustment is to reduce the effect of a permanent or temporary disability, specific learning need or medical condition allowing learners to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding. The integrity of the assessment must be maintained whilst providing access to assessment for these learners if possible. Both the 2005 Disability Discrimination Act and the Equality Act 2010 have recognised the principle that reasonable adjustments may not always be appropriate to qualifications. Some assessments may only be adjusted up to a certain point before the meaning and value of the qualification could be undermined.
Prerequisites
The qualification is available to learners aged 14 or over. It is recommended that learners should hold a minimum of Level 1 in literacy or equivalent to undertake this qualification. It may be possible to allocate a reasonable adjustment to a learner who has a disability, medical condition or learning need; learners should contact their training provider to discuss. Any reasonable adjustments granted must be in line with the FAA Reasonable Adjustments Policy
Certification
The qualification is valid for three years from the date of achievement. It is strongly recommended that the learner attends annual refresher training. The learner will need to complete the full course again to requalify for a further three years.
Assessment
The qualification is assessed through professional discussion and the practical demonstration of the first aid action plan for mental health. Learners must successfully pass both parts of the assessment to be awarded the qualification. There is no grading of the assessment; learners pass or are referred.
You have six weeks following your virtual classroom to complete your assessment, also completed via Zoom