Why should I do a Mental Health First Aid course?
Mental health is not a small part of life that can be separated from everything else we do. It affects how we think, feel, work and connect with others. In fact, 1 in 4 people in England will experience a mental health problem each year, and around 1 in 6 report having a more common condition such as anxiety or depression in any given week.1 With numbers like these, it is clear that understanding mental health is just as important as understanding physical health.
The reality of mental health at work
The number of people reporting mental health problems has been steadily rising in recent years. In the workplace, the impact is significant. More than half of all work-related illnesses are linked to stress, depression or anxiety, and 51% of long-term sick leave is connected to these conditions. Poor mental health costs the UK economy an estimated £28 billion each year, not just because of absence but also due to reduced productivity and staff turnover.2
On the other hand, when employees feel supported, they are more productive, more loyal and deliver better results. This is why businesses of every size are starting to place greater importance on wellbeing strategies and mental health awareness.
Why training makes a difference
Completing a mental health first aid course is not about becoming a therapist, but about gaining the skills to notice when someone may be struggling, knowing how to respond appropriately and helping to create a culture of care. It’s about challenging the stigma that still exists and recognising that mental health sits on a continuum – some days are good, others less so, and that’s normal.
The right training gives you confidence to support colleagues, friends or even yourself when challenges arise. It also helps you understand factors that influence mental health, the importance of staying connected, and how positive relationships can make a real difference.
What you can learn
A mental health first aid course typically covers:
- Understanding mental health as a continuum rather than fixed categories
- Recognising the factors that influence mental health
- The importance of positive relationships and staying connected
- Practical ways to support individuals in the workplace and in their return to work
- How to challenge stigma and change attitudes
- Why every workplace could benefit from a wellness action plan
Creating lasting change
By completing a mental health first aid course, you are not only investing in your own awareness and skills but also helping to build a more supportive environment for those around you. Small changes in understanding can lead to big changes in culture, wellbeing and engagement.
At Functional Skills UK, we are proud to offer Mental Health First Aid and Awareness of Mental Health Problems courses. These courses are designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to support positive mental health at work, reduce stigma and promote practical strategies for wellbeing.
