What is the course about?
Most workplaces now say they take mental health seriously. Fewer have staff who actually know what to do when a colleague is struggling. This certificate is aimed squarely at that gap.
It covers mental health itself, how to support individuals experiencing mental ill health, and what a mentally healthy working environment looks like in practice. NCFE designed it for public service roles and for customer service, housing, the voluntary sector, sport and recreation, hospitality, and travel and tourism.
Is it right for you?
Open to learners aged 16 and over. There are no formal entry requirements, though NCFE notes that learners may find a level 2 qualification helpful preparation. No placement is required.
What will you study?
Three mandatory units, each 40 guided learning hours.
Exploring mental health
What mental health is, the range of conditions, and the effect of stigma and discrimination.
Understand how to support individuals with mental ill health
Recognising when someone is struggling, how to respond, and where to signpost.
Understand a mentally healthy environment
What organisations can do to protect and support the mental health of their people.
How will you be assessed?
Internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence and quality assured by NCFE. This is a knowledge qualification with no placement requirement.
Where can it take you?
Roles this can lead to
- Mental health first aider or wellbeing lead in your current workplace
- Mental health support worker
- Human resources and people roles
- Housing and community support roles
Further study
- Level 2 or Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
- Level 2 Award in Awareness of Dementia
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
- Apprenticeships in health and social care
Which pathways is it part of?
A pathway combines several qualifications into a route towards a particular kind of job. This course sits within:
What support will you get?
Every learner gets an individual learning plan, an initial assessment of English and maths, and a named tutor. You will have a college email address and access to Microsoft Teams. See learning support and career support for what else is available.