Is this workshop right for you?
I offer in-house MHFAider and Refresher and one-day workshops, along with other options including open courses thanks to trusted collaborations.
I really care about the standard of my training products and enabling individuals and businesses to make the right decision for them. Have a good read to learn more about MHFAider courses generally, my approach and some bonus content insights beyond the advertised MHFA headlines!
I've taken the official overview and added what that means in terms exploration and activities for an in-person workshop, my preferred delivery!
One of my highlights is the rich discussions prompted by the four 'MHFAider buddies in-action' videos to understand best practice versus messy real life! The user-friendly workbook is popular too.
Day one - well-earned comfort and lunch breaks with snacks and drinks included
Session 1 - What to expect, safety and MHFAider fundamentals
Session 2 - Mental health illness, the value of listening & practice
In case you can't wait or fancy a refresh, I never tire watching the classic video Empathy v sympathy
Day two - we check-in again and recap key learnings and safety
Session 3 - More myth busting, managing crisis & MHFA in practice
Session 4 - Recovery journey, embedding learnings and boundary setting
During the session: workbook,e-manual and app - you'll get a handy workbook and wallet-sized reference card with the MHFA 'ALGEE' action plan. Instructions on how to access the app are in your joining instructions.
After the session - 3 years benefits (renewed after Refresher training)
New Association of Mental Health First Aiders
After the training participants are invited to join the Association of Mental Health First Aiders®, England’s first and only membership body for Mental Health First Aiders.
Once someone has trained as a Mental Health First Aider they are certified for three years. They can then attend a half-day Refresher (recently refreshed!) to renew their access to the above benefits.
The MHFAider role as part of a broader strategy
What I prefer about this updated MHFAider workshop that came in a few years ago, is the important emphasis on understanding responsibilities and boundaries of the role. It's one of my specialist subjects and during the 2 days, we explore all the topics through this lens.
As I mention in my Training best practice Blog when I congratulate everyone at the end on becoming an MHFAider, it's a very nuanced message and I make no apologies for being a party pooper! The message is 'You're now a Generic MHFAider!' The important next step is to explore with your organisation (if you've come in that capacity) as to how the role is carried out and supported from your workplace point of view.
As the world becomes more complex and messy, I increasingly recognise the value of dedicating time for participants to explore and identify quick wins for themselves and their teams. Notice I used the phrase "quick wins" and not "tick boxes"! and of course we include longer-term questions for their organisation and manageable next steps.
Sold and run diligently, MHFA courses are all about better supporting others and creating healthier, thoughtful workplaces. In the end, the most important thing is to understand what’s in our control and what isn’t so we can better take care of our own mental health.
It's no surprise that research from the Dominican University of California found that writing down your goals, committing to them, sharing them with a friend, and checking in regularly significantly increases the likelihood of achieving positive change.
That’s something we can all take away!
For more insights and resources, check out my other blogs. Happy exploring and sharing!"
Hi, I’m Emma! With 30 years in Learning & Development and varied roles, I specialise in helping workplaces navigate the 'messy reality' of mental health conversations with confidence as part of a broader strategy. My experiences in a range of workplace settings, and as a mental health charity trustee and member of NHS suicide awareness working groups, drive me to provide practical approaches that create real impact. I ensure every session is engaging, down-to-earth, and actionable.
Practical Mental Health Training for a Healthier Workplace
