FAA Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health Leve 1
This 4-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.
Description
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 4-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.
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. Learners wishing to qualify as a ‘First Aider for Mental Health’ should consider undertaking the ‘FAA Award in First Aid for Mental Health’ or the ‘FAA Award in Supervising/Leading First Aid for Mental Health’.
1. 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
2. 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
3. Know how to recognise and manage stress
- 3.1 Identify signs of stress
- 3.2 State how stress can be managed
4. 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
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.
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
Assessment
The qualification is assessed through a written assessment paper which the learner must successfully pass to be awarded the qualification. There is no grading of the assessment; learners pass or are referred.