Mental Health First Aid Training - Online Course
Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid Training
4-Module Online Certification Course
The Connexus Institute is delighted to offer a comprehensive four-module online Mental Health First Aid training programme to become a certified Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) with Mental Health First Aid England.
In today's world, mental health challenges are increasingly recognised as a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing. Whether in our personal lives, workplaces, or communities, we all encounter situations where someone might be struggling with their mental health. Just as we wouldn't hesitate to help someone with a physical injury, we can learn to provide that same compassionate, informed support for mental health difficulties.
This innovative online training programme transforms the traditional classroom experience into an accessible, interactive digital format without compromising quality or engagement. Over four carefully structured modules, you'll develop the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills needed to recognise the signs of mental health challenges and provide appropriate initial support.
By choosing to become a Mental Health First Aider, you're not just qualifying—you're joining a growing community of individuals committed to breaking down stigma, fostering understanding, and creating safer, more supportive environments for everyone. This training will empower you to make a genuine difference in the lives of those around you while also developing your own resilience and self-care practices.
Course Schedule - January 2026
All sessions take place online via Zoom from 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Module 1: Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
Module 2: Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
Module 3: Tuesday, January 27th, 2026
Module 4: Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Attending all four modules is mandatory to achieve Mental Health First Aid certification.
What is a Mental Health First Aider?
A Mental Health First Aider is equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide initial support to those experiencing mental health difficulties. Just like a physical first aider steps in during a medical emergency, a Mental Health First Aider can recognise signs of mental distress, offer a listening ear, and guide the person towards appropriate professional help.
Why Become a Mental Health First Aider?
This course is open to all because almost anyone can benefit from becoming a Mental Health First Aider. By becoming an MHFAider® with Mental Health First Aid England, you will:
- Become a Champion for Mental Wellbeing: Gain confidence to have supportive conversations about mental health, reducing stigma and promoting understanding from different perspectives
- Make a Real Difference: Recognise warning signs and offer early intervention to help individuals get support sooner, promoting faster recovery
- Strengthen Relationships and Build Trust: Become a pillar of support for friends, family, and colleagues through active listening and appropriate guidance
- Become a Valuable Asset: Mental Health First Aid certification is highly sought after by employers, demonstrating your commitment to wellbeing
- Invest in Yourself and Others: Develop self-care tools to manage your own mental health whilst supporting others
Course Content Overview
Module 1: Building Your Foundation
What does it mean to be a Mental Health First Aider? In this opening module, you'll discover your role as an MHFAider and master ALGEE – the simple 5-step action plan that guides every conversation. Learn to spot the difference between helpful language like "They are living with depression at the moment" and “they are back on the happy pills”, which is an example of an unhelpful language. You'll explore the Stress Container model, the importance of Frame of Refence and establish your self-care toolkit to support others while looking after yourself.
Module 2: Recognising the Signs
When a colleague seems anxious, a friend mentions trauma, or someone's eating habits change – what do you do? This module puts ALGEE into practice with real scenarios you might encounter. You'll understand how anxiety manifests differently in different people, what constitutes a traumatic event, and learn to recognise early warning signs of eating disorders, self-harm, and substance misuse. Through interactive practice, you'll develop active listening techniques that genuinely help rather than hinder.
Module 3: Responding to Crisis
Someone mentions suicide, a friend is experiencing psychosis, or a family member is severely depressed – how do you respond safely and effectively? This crucial module helps you navigate the most challenging conversations with confidence. You'll learn when and how to ask directly about suicide, understand what depression looks like beyond simply "feeling sad," and recognise when someone might be experiencing psychosis. You'll rehearse these difficult conversations through guided practice in a safe, supportive environment.
Module 4: Sustaining Your Impact
How do you maintain boundaries, avoid burnout, and continue making a difference long-term? In this final module, you'll understand your limits and when stepping back is essential. You'll explore inspiring recovery stories and lived experiences, complete your certification assessment, and create your action plan. Most importantly, you'll revisit self-care strategies that will sustain you as an effective MHFAider for years.
What Will the Programme Provide?
MHFA training isn't just about knowledge; it's about building confidence to take action. Through interactive exercises, discussions, and practical scenarios, you'll develop skills to:
- Recognise signs of mental health struggles and provide initial support
- Guide individuals towards professional help when needed
- Practice active listening and empathy skills
- Create safe spaces for open communication
- Have stigma-reducing conversations with confidence
- Understand your role's boundaries and maintain confidentiality
- Implement sustainable self-care practices
Why MHFA England training?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England was established in 2007 as part of a national initiative to improve public mental health awareness. Their training courses equip individuals to recognise signs of mental health problems, offer initial support, and guide people towards professional help.
• 91% of people had a better understanding of mental health after completing their MHFA England course.
• MHFA England Instructor Members have trained hundreds and thousands of MHFAiders®.
• All MHFA England Instructor Members are accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health, meaning you can expect a quality-assured and consistent training experience.
MHFAider® Support
MHFA training equips you to provide critical mental health support, but your learning doesn't stop there. MHFA England offers ongoing support to ensure you stay confident and impactful as an MHFAider®. A 24/7 app provides exclusive resources and refresher materials, connecting you to England's largest MHFAider® community. Stay up-to-date with regular online events covering the latest mental health topics. This ensures you have everything you need to make a difference in the lives of those facing mental health challenges.
Dates: Jan 20th, 22nd, 27th, 29th
Length: 4 modules × 3.5 hours each (14 hours total)
Times: 5:30pm to 9.00pm for each module
Mode: Online via Zoom
Cost: £320 (inclusive of VAT)
More Information
Let us know if you have any questions
Meet your course leaders
Dr Hulya Hooker
Hulya is a psychotherapeutic TA counsellor (Dip), psychologist (PhD), and principal researcher working in civil service. With over two decades of experience as a researcher in the UK following her Master's and Doctorate degrees in Psychology, Hulya brings both academic rigour and practical expertise to her training. Alongside her research career, Hulya trained in Psychotherapy and maintains a private counselling and psychotherapy practice on the South Coast. She has been actively promoting mental health and wellbeing at work in her civil service role and has been a Mental Health First Aider since 2019, progressing to become an Instructor Member. Hulya is passionate about raising awareness around mental health and working towards reducing stigma around mental ill health. Her combination of academic background, therapeutic practice, and lived experience as a Mental Health First Aider provides participants with both theoretical understanding and real-world application throughout the training programme.