IOSH Mental Health First Aid at Work

The IOSH Mental Health First Aid at Work course aims to develop delegates' knowledge of mental health problems. It helps to clarify the role mental health first aiders can play in providing valuable support to colleagues in the workplace. The course explores the workplace's role in ensuring that the employees are adequately supported and that appropriate control measures exist.

The outcome will be an increase in the knowledge & confidence of participants to enable them to provide first aid & support for colleagues experiencing mental health problems. Therefore, it is essential that delegates who attend have an open mind to learning, a desire to support others, and are confident in their resilience to handle the subject matter without undue emotional impact.

This IOSH course is assessed using an end-of-course multi-choice assessment. The assessment presents a range of question types: list, identify, define, and describe. All 25 questions are based on the course module learning outcomes, and delegates are provided with 30 minutes to complete them. The assessment is undertaken under closed book examination conditions. The approach ensures that learners have retained the information required to provide critical mental health and wellbeing support within the workplace environment.

The IOSH Mental Health First Aid at Work course involves 12 hours of learning. These hours are typically delivered in two days in the classroom or online environment. Alternatively, some organisations split the 12 teaching hours into 3 or 4-hour sessions.

This mental health and wellbeing course is appropriate for staff at any level in any industry but may be particularly useful for those with a Human Resources or Line Management responsibilities. Or for those who find themselves being approached by those in need of support. The course is appealing to employers wishing to create and develop a supportive workplace that views the mental wellbeing of its workforce as a priority.

The workplace can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health. Although not all mental health problems can be attributed to adverse working conditions, work-related stress, depression, or anxiety are defined as harmful reactions people have to undue pressures and demands placed on them at work. Workplaces have a moral and legal responsibility to act and to support employees suffering from such conditions. This course is ideal for upskilling appropriate employees to aid with the provision of this support and to help create a culture of positive mental health.