Youth Mental Health First Aid - Hart

We all have mental health but we think and talk about it far less than our physical health, even though it is just as important to our overall wellbeing. Protecting the positive mental health of young people is important because without it, they can struggle at school or college and become isolated from family, friends and community activities.

Youth workers and sport coaches can play a vital role, spotting signs and symptoms, without being experts. We train to give physical first aid without hesitation – so why not mental health first aid too?

Many things, including relationships, exams and even social media, may trigger young people’s emotional problems or mental distress. Problems can be on a range from low moods, excessive worrying or behavioural issues at the lower end, to diagnosable disorders such as depression or ADHD at the higher end. In the community sport setting, we are most concerned about the lower level issues. There is a lot we can do to help, if we can spot the signs and symptoms early and have the confidence to step in.

What does the course cover?
Learners will explore the most common mental health conditions experienced by young people and learn what youth and sport workers can do to prevent and/or intervene when needed.

Learners will be able to:
• challenge the stigma surrounding mental health
• define mental health & common illnesses
• spot the early signs of mental health problems in young people
• give help, support and guidance to any young person who needs it

Who is it for?
Volunteers, coaches, youth workers and project managers

Course structure
Delivered by qualified tutors, involving interaction and group discussions. The course addresses sensitive issues but you won’t be asked to do anything with which you are not comfortable.

Resources and certification
Everyone attending receives a mental health first aid manual and an attendance certificate.
Youth MHFA is an internationally recognised training programme designed specifically for people who teach, work, live with or care for young people aged 8 – 18.