Mental Health First Aid training courses

About Mental Health First Aid training courses

We believe that together we can tackle the stigma around mental health and support the wellbeing of Derby's residents. To help achieve this goal, we've commissioned Derbyshire County Council to deliver mental health first aid training.

Our training is currently free to anyone who lives, works or volunteers in Derby, and is interested in having more confident conversations with family, friends, neighbours or colleagues about mental health.

Currently both virtual (online interactive) and face-to-face training of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training courses will be available.

Training places can fill up quickly. We want to ensure a spread of mental health first aiders across the city, so courses and the number of places offered may sometimes be targeted or restricted. However, all courses form part of rolling programmes with new dates being released on an ongoing regular basis.

Who can attend the training?

Derby City Council training is free to anyone who lives, works or volunteers in Derby, and is interested in having more confident conversations with family, friends, neighbours or colleagues about mental health.

These courses are not available to Derby City Council employees however in-house training is available.

Which course is right for you?

Course dates are published as they become available. As certain aspects of the core content of the adult and youth Mental Health First Aid courses are similar, and there's potentially a high demand for places, we can only offer you a place on either the adult or youth course. Please choose the course which is most relevant to you:

Mental Health Awareness is a half-day course designed to increase skills and confidence. It gives participants a general awareness and understanding of mental health, including addressing stigma, and an overview of resources and services. This course is suitable for people who want general mental health awareness or as an introduction to the topic of mental health.

Mental Health First Aid Adult teaches you how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. It's suitable for individuals who may be in contact with adults who may have emotional distress, be at higher risk of mental health difficulties, and who have experience of mental health problems.

Mental Health First Aid Youth teaches the skills and confidence to help spot the signs of mental health issues in a young person, offer first aid and guide them towards the support they need. This course is for individuals who work with or support young people aged 8 to 18.

Mental Health First Aid Refresher is a 4-hour course is designed to refresh your knowledge and confidence as an adult mental health first aider who has completed the adult MHFA course 3 or more years ago. However, anyone who has completed the youth MHFA course 3 or more years ago is also welcome to attend.

How to book a free place

For more information and to book a free place on a Mental Health First Aid course, visit Derbyshire County Council - Derby City Council mental health.

For queries related to Derby city MHFA courses, email kirsty.bentham@derby.gov.uk.