Information for Applicants

Page updated: 24/05/2023

Information for Applicants

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Mental Health First Aider. The information below should provide you with a clear overview of the process and timeline to becoming a qualified Mental Health First Aider.

Please consider this role carefully before applying, and if at any point you decide the role is not for you, please let us know.

Step 1 – Apply via the online booking form

Once you have read each step and the Mental Health First Aider role, the next step of the process will be to apply for a place on the training course via the online booking form.

Step 2 – Discuss with your Manager

Once you have submitted your application, your manager will be notified and will be provided with some additional information about the role. Your manager should contact you to arrange a conversation to ensure that you are both in agreement regarding your suitability for the role.

Please note that due to the nature of this role, your manager may feel that you are not quite the right fit for a Mental Health First Aider. You should be prepared to have an open and honest conversation with your manager about your suitability for the role before proceeding to training.

In cases where you or your manager may be unsure about your suitability for the role, you will have the option to attend a briefing session with the Programme Coordinator to learn more.

Step 3 – Attend training

Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to attend a certified Adult Mental Health First Aid course, delivered by Ajuda.

There are two training options, to have been agreed previous to the course start. This course will either be delivered online and will be made up of 5 self-directed e-learning modules and two live 3-hour webinars with a qualified trainer, or, it can be delivered over two consecutive days from 9:30am-4:30pm.

The training will cover some key mental health conditions as well as how to have open conversations around mental health, how to deal with a mental health crisis and how to appropriately signpost someone in need. A full breakdown of the course content and structure can be found here.

On successful completion of the course, you will become a qualified Mental Health First Aider and will receive a certificate which will be valid for 3 years. You will also receive an online copy of the Mental Health First Aid manual for future reference.

Step 4 – Support sessions

Once you have become a qualified Mental Health First Aider, you will be welcomed into the Authority’s Mental Health First Aid network. You will have an opportunity to join one of the support sessions where you will have the opportunity to meet with the other Mental Health First Aiders in the Authority and ask any questions that you might have. This will involve being added into a closed Teams group of Mental Health First Aiders. This will provide a safe space for Mental Health First Aiders to confidentially voice any concerns, debrief, offload and share experiences. In cases where additional support may be required for a Mental Health First Aider, this will be arranged.

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