Scotland's Mental Health First Aid

Accredited by Public Health Scotland

The Scottish Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) course is a 12-hour accredited programme that equips participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to offer initial support to someone experiencing a mental health concern or crisis.

Participants learn how to recognise signs of distress, listen without judgement, provide reassurance, and guide someone towards appropriate help. The course also promotes understanding, reduces stigma and supports recovery-focused approaches to mental health

Who the course is for

Scottish Mental Health First Aid is suitable for adults aged 18+ who want to develop confidence in understanding and supporting mental health. This course is open to any workplace, organisation or community group wishing to strengthen mental health awareness and create safer, more supportive environments.

Public Health Scotland recommends prioritising delivery to the following groups:

• Health and social care - including emergency responders, support services and community pharmacy

• Frontline supporters - including housing and homelessness services, debt and money advice, care-experienced support, community justice, addictions services, transport staff (e.g. bus/taxi drivers), hospitality, retail and customer-facing roles, leisure, sport and fitness

• Education - including further and higher education staff, youth workers and school support/counselling staff

• Third sector organisations - including volunteers, charities and community services

What happens on a SMHFA course?

The 12-hour course can be delivered as:

• 2 full days

• 4 half-day sessions (works best in a community setting)

• In-person only.

What the course covers

• The role and responsibilities of a Mental Health First Aider

• Understanding attitudes & Stigma

• Understanding the Mental Health Continuum (how wellbeing can fluctuate)

• The principles of recovery

• The impact of substance use on mental health

• An introduction to suicide intervention

• Listening and communication skills

• Recognising signs of common mental health problems including depression, anxiety and psychosis

• Understanding self-harm as a coping behaviour and how to offer safe, non-judgemental support.

• Exploring the ALGEE action plan (Approach, Assess, Assist, Listen & Communicate non - Judgmentally , Give support & information, Encourage appropriate professional help, Encourage other supports)

It’s designed to be interesting and engaging, with a variety of learning methods, including:

• Interactive discussions

• Group activities

• Case studies and videos

• Practical tools you can use straight away

• And yes, even a bit of fun along the way!

Venue and space requirements

If your organisation cannot provide space, I am happy to help explore external venue options.

To deliver the course safely and comfortably, a suitable venue should include:

• Tables and chairs for all participants

• A screen, projector or wall space for slides and videos

• Access to power

• Wi-Fi where possible

• Comfortable heating and ventilation

• A quiet environment free from disruptions

• Accessible facilities for all participants

Important booking information

To keep Scottish Mental Health First Aid delivery safe, effective and fully aligned with Public Health Scotland guidelines, a few things are important to know in advance:

• MHFA cannot be delivered as a short taster session, it must always run in full (12 hours).

• A minimum group size of 8 participants and maximum of 16 is required

• A minimum 4-week lead time is required to register the course.

• All participants must complete the Public Health Scotland registration and a short suitability/safeguarding check before attending.

• I hold full public liability insurance and am fully insured to deliver Scottish Mental Health First Aid under licence through Public Health Scotland

These steps ensure that everyone is fully supported, safe, and able to get the most from the course.

What previous participants have said

Take a look at our written testimonials from groups who have completed SMHFA

Ready to bring SMHFA training to your organisation or community?

If you would like to explore booking Scottish Mental Health First Aid for your group, organisation or team, I would be very happy to chat.