MHFAider
Becoming a Mental Health First Aider
There are more than half a million Mental Health First Aiders in England – all helping to transform how we talk about and support mental health in the workplace and beyond.
Mental Health First Aiders, also known as MHFAiders, are people who have completed an online or face-to-face Mental Health First Aid England course. This is the mental health equivalent of physical first aid training.
MHFA England’s internationally recognised course not only offers a qualification certified by the Royal Society for Public Health , but also free membership of our Association.
MHFA England trained Youth MHFAiders are now also invited to join the Association of Mental Health First Aiders.
Pride and purpose
Our Mental Health First Aiders gain the skills and confidence to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions. You learn how to start a conversation about mental health and guide a person towards the right support, whether that’s self-help resources or professional services. This reduces stigma, helps people get the right care, and encourages openness about mental health.
When you become an MHFAider or Youth MHFAider, you’re not only certified for three years. You’re also invited to become a member of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, too – the only body of its kind in the UK. This gives you access to exclusive resources and benefits. Once those three years have passed, your membership can be renewed by completing an MHFA Refresher course or a Youth MHFA Refresher course (available soon).
Supporting young people
Our Youth MHFA course is for anyone who works with, lives with, or supports young people aged 8-18 and has been developed through an inclusive lens, with extensive input from young people with lived experience. MHFA England trained Youth MHFAiders are now also invited to join the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, gaining access to a wide range of resources and learning opportunities so that they can fulfil their role with confidence, skill and care.
Instructor Members
The trainers delivering MHFA® courses, called Instructor Members, have completed the MHFA England Instructor Training Programme. We have over 2,600 currently working to share their expertise and guidance to change the conversation around mental health.
After finishing the MHFA England Instructor Training Programme, Instructor Members receive a year’s free membership of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders. They need to then renew their MHFA England Instructor Membership annually to continue delivering MHFA England courses, and retain membership of the Association.
Our Association exists to celebrate the collective power and impact of our incredible Mental Health First Aid community. All our Instructor Members are also Mental Health First Aiders. We connect all our Mental Health First Aiders with the continuous support they need to keep bringing about transformational change day after day.
Free resources for your workplace
Our free resources on mental health awareness and guidance are available to read online and download.
Thrive at work
We have a whole range of free resources on workplace mental health, from info packs about the courses.
Coping with the ‘new normal’
Some people prefer to work from home – but if you’re finding it more of a challenge, you’re not alone.
Campaign for workplace culture change
Our My Whole Self campaign calls on organisations to empower employees to bring their whole self to work.
Spread the word
Share information and start meaningful conversations about workplace mental health with our posters.