Mental Health First Aid Training

Introduction

The Connexus Institute is delighted to offer a two-day, in-person certificated training to become a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) with Mental Health First Aid England. This training will take place in person on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th June, 2024, at the Connexus Institute premises in Hove, East Sussex.

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 Well-being: You'll gain the confidence to have supportive conversations about mental health, reducing stigma and promoting understanding from different perspectives. This fosters open conversations and builds strong, supportive communities.

• Make a Real Difference: By recognising warning signs and offering early intervention, you can help individuals get the support they need sooner, promoting faster recovery and preventing issues from escalating.

• Strengthen Relationships and Build Trust: This training equips you to be a pillar of support for friends, family, and colleagues. You'll learn to actively listen and guide them towards appropriate help, strengthening relationships and building trust in all your circles.

• Become a Valuable Asset: Mental Health First Aid certification is highly sought after by employers. It demonstrates your commitment to well-being and makes you a valuable asset to any team.

• Be Investing in Yourself and Others: This training equips you with self-care tools to manage your own mental health while supporting others.

Upon completion of this course, you will be certficated as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) with Mental Health First Aid England

What will the Workshop provide?

MHFA training isn't just about knowledge; it's about building confidence to take action. You'll develop the skills to make a difference through interactive small and whole-group exercises and discussions. The program equips you to recognize signs of mental health struggles and provide initial support, guiding individuals towards professional help when needed. You'll hone your active listening and empathy skills, creating a safe space for open communication through positive learning experiences. Your newfound mental health literacy empowers you to have stigma-reducing conversations, while a clear understanding of your role's boundaries and confidentiality ensures ethical practice. Finally, the program emphasizes the importance of self-care, equipping you to provide support sustainably.

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: June 27th & 28th, 2024

Length: Two (2) Days

Times: 9:00am to 5.00pm

Mode: Face-to-Face in Hove

Cost: £300 (inclusive of VAT)

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Meet your course leaders

Dr Hulya Hooker

Hulya is a TA Psychotherapeutic Counsellor (Dip), Psychologist (PhD), and Principal Researcher working in the civil service. She has spent over two decades working as a researcher in the UK after completing her Master's and Doctorate degrees in Psychology. During that time, she also decided to train in Psychotherapy and now runs a small private counselling and psychotherapy practice on the South Coast. Hulya has actively promoted mental health and wellbeing at work in her civil service role. She has been a Mental Health First Aider since 2019 and is now an Instructor member. She is passionate about raising awareness in this arena and working towards reducing stigma around mental ill health.

Georgina Smalldridge

Georgina is a Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist (Dip), Government Analyst and Workshop Instructor. She has a background in Psychology (BSc), Neuroscience (MSc) and working in a brain injury clinic as a rehabilitation coach. For over five years, Georgina has led mental health and wellbeing courses and workshops.

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