First Aid for Mental Health Qualifications – Overview

By doing First Aid for Mental Health Level 2, it gave me ways to recognise when someone is struggling and start a conversation. The main things that stood out were that the tutors were very knowledgeable, but also down-to-earth, that learning was achieved through many formats; video, face-to-face, reading etc. and that many resources were shared. I would recommend MHScot to people who need to be able to help and support their colleagues, friends and family.

Scottish Sea Farms - https://scottishseafarms.com

The First Aid for Mental Health Level 2 gave me the tools and information I needed to be able to have open and supportive conversations about mental health, not just with co-workers but with friends and relatives, too. The main learnings that stood out were how powerful a safe and open conversation can be for someone who is struggling with poor mental health, and the positive impact it can have on them to know that someone is listening and cares about them. The interactive real talk about suicide film was very powerful, and gave a really good example of how to handle a conversation like that, how to ask difficult questions, and put listening techniques into practice. I found the mental health continuum really interesting, and think that knowing we all have mental health and need to find ways to look after it that work for us is a really important message and I look forward to being part of bringing that message in to my workplace. I would recommend MHScot to everyone - we all have the ability to help someone who is struggling with their mental health, but often knowing what to say or how to start talking about it is our biggest barrier. I think if everyone had the knowledge and skills set out in this course, the world would seem a far less daunting place for people struggling with poor mental health or a diagnosed mental health condition.

Edinburgh Innovations - https://edinburgh-innovations.ed.ac.uk

By doing First Aid for Mental Health Level 2, MHScot helped me by providing high quality training in mental health and mental health first aid, giving me skills that I can use immediately at work and in everyday life. The main things that stood out were that the training was delivered in a very thoughtful way, with a good modular structure, time for self reflection, and some face-to-face online learning sessions. It lead us through consideration of what mental health is, what the underlying causes might be, and how workplace and demands of work intersect with mental health. It also gave clear training around mental health first aiding, and the CARE process for assessing and supporting anyone experiencing poor mental health. I would recommend MHScot to people who need to understand their own and others' mental health better, including those who wish to be mental health first aiders.

The University of Edinburgh School of Biological Sciences - www.ed.ac.uk/biology

MHScot provided first class training content, trainer and post-training support and advice. We now have a group of staff trained with highly successful outcomes in terms of increasing skills, knowledge and confidence in relation to mental health. We would recommend MHScot to people who need any form of mental health training, including Mental Health First Aid; input on policy and strategic approach to mental wellbeing in the workplace.

British Council Scotland - https://scotland.britishcouncil.org

MHScot were very helpful and quick with information about what they could provide. They facilitated our 2 day Mental Health First Aid training course, as well as running Building Resilience and Managing Stress workshops during our wellbeing week. We loved their positive attitude and professionalism.

The Glenmorangie Company Ltd - www.glenmorangie.com

By doing the First Aid for Mental Health Level 2, MHScot helped me by providing a very comprehensive course with videos to support the modules and lots of downloadable information to use afterwards. The main things that stood out were the importance of the role of the Mental Health First Aider, the vast array of information and support available and how important my role will be as a manager with a fairly large staff. I feel much better equipped to provide support. I found the experience really informative and enjoyed the virtual group session with colleagues from other departments. I would recommend MHScot to people who need further information and advice about supporting people in the workplace with their mental health.

West Dunbartonshire Council - www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Mental Health support is a vital provision in any workplace and wanted to build some experience and knowledge within the team. Delivered an engaging MHFA course to 13 of our employees. We would recommend MHScot to people who need a better understanding of mental health issues: everyone!

Amazon Development Centre Scotland - www.amazondc.com

I shared the knowledge gained during the first aid training with some of my work colleagues and both me and them found it very beneficial. I also had a chance to approach a person at work who I was concerned about, it was not easy, but I am really glad I did it. Thank you very much again for the training and for raising my awareness of mental health issues.

Scottish Government - www.gov.scot

MHScot helped me by listening to our needs, giving suggestions, and gathering appropriate information, including creating a plan that fitted our needs. The main learnings were that everyone bought into it, that it feels like all are willing to change and be more open, and it's appropriate and right for the department to progress with Culture of Care, it's a really positive thing. The result was a plan going forward; hopefully people will feel able to be included and give input into how the department moves forward in supporting each other. I would recommend MHScot to people who need support and guidance in supporting their team with mental health and well-being.

The University of Edinburgh - www.ed.ac.uk

We liked their approach to the training, whilst the training was in-depth and covered a lot, staff did not feel overwhelmed or out of their depth. We would highly recommend MHScot.

The Open University in Scotland - www.open.ac.uk/scotland

There was interest amongst staff in carrying out training. We became aware of MHScot and they seemed like the perfect supplier. They were excellent facilitators and the staff that took part found it very interesting and informative. We would recommend MHScot to any organisation looking for useful and easy to understand mental health training.

The ALLIANCE - www.alliance-scotland.org.uk

We approached MHScot to do First Aid for Mental Health Level 2 because as an organisation, we prioritise physical and mental wellbeing and were keen to arrange guided on-line mental health first aid training for three staff members. MHScot helped me by broadening my understanding of mental health and wellbeing and the role of a mental health first aider. We will now be able to support staff members during what is an especially difficult time due to the impact of Covid-19. We liked their friendly, approachable facilitator, Catherine Eadie. There was a good balance of self-directed learning and guided sessions. We found the experience hugely beneficial both individually and as an organisation. I would recommend MHScot to people who need any sort of mental health/wellbeing training.

4J Studios - www.4jstudios.com

We found working with MHScot incredibly beneficial. The facilitators were able to take a subject that can be hard to deal with and make it useful, worthwhile, and left us feeling better prepared to deal with Mental Health issues. We would recommend MHScot to people who need any support or training around mental health issues in the workplace.

National Theatre of Scotland - www.nationaltheatrescotland.com

By doing the First Aid for Mental Health Level 2, MHScot helped me by educating myself about Mental Health and the conditions that we may see in the workplace. It gave me the confidence to start conversations in the workplace and where to signpost colleagues to get help. The things that stood out were that we all have mental health and it is a continuum. Before the course I didn't think about the fact that everyone has mental health and that it can change from day to day. This way of thinking made it much easier to see why people with a mental health condition can have good days, but also why those without a mental health condition can have bad days. All the videos were very helpful, especially those where people who had suffered from mental health conditions talked. It reiterated the signs to look out for. I would recommend MHScot to people who need a positive mental health atmosphere in their workplace. It is a great course to start thinking about how to improve mental health for all staff.

Bellahouston Academy

I have heard really good feedback from my colleagues about the courses they have done with MHScot and wanted to gain knowledge that would help me to support my workmates by doing Supervising/Leading First Aid for Mental Health (Level 3). MHScot helped me by providing a lot of easy to read and understandable information, plus very supportive face to face lessons.It kept me interested and involved, which allowed me to remember things easier and absorb the information better. I would recommend MHScot to people who need training in mental health areas to increase their knowledge and understanding. It can be useful just for your own benefits and for everyone around you too.

Energy Saving Trust - www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

By doing the First Aid for Mental Health Level 2, MHScot helped me by improving my knowledge of the immense resources available to help recognise the signs that someone may need help, and to help point signpost them in the appropriate manner. The main things that stood out were how important it is to look after yourself (can't pour from an empty cup), the range of knowledge when you pull different minds together and the importance of a work/life balance. I would recommend MHScot to people who need to learn how to care without taking the problems on themselves. People who need to be able to recognise the signs that some people may be holding back on what they are really thinking / experiencing. You need to be able to ask the right questions at the right time, and know how to follow through on everything you promise.

Scottish Sea Farms - https://scottishseafarms.com

Phoenix Group has partnered with MHScot as a Mental Health provider. Our representatives have said that they feel more confident about having an initial discussion with an individual and have a better understanding of early trigger signs and how to signpost help. It was facilitated well with space created to enable delegates to share experiences and ask questions. We would recommend MHScot to people who need to understand mental health conditions and what more we can do in the workplace to support colleagues.

The Phoenix Group - www.thephoenixgroup.com

MHScot worked with us to identify suitable dates for training which suited our business requirements. They also helped us by delivering a great course, delivered at the right pace for all participants. Each attendee really enjoyed the course and learned a lot of about mental health and how we can support our team members. We would recommend MHScot to people who need courses delivered with a gentle but professional approach.

Edinburgh International Conference Centre - www.eicc.co.uk

By doing the First Aid for Mental Health Level 2, MHScot helped me by providing clear information and links to further resources. The 3 things that stood out were the varied learning styles: reading; visuals; videos; interactive videos; discussion sessions, clearly organised and structured and a clear action plan for a mental health first aider. It has made me feel more confident that I could actually help someone, even when they are in a very difficult situation that you can't fix yourself, just by doing small things like listening to them and suggesting self-help/further resources. This would make me more likely to approach someone and start a conversation, and in cases this could potentially be a life-saving intervention. I would recommend MHScot to people who need confidence and skills to be able to help others who are struggling.

The University of Edinburgh School of Biological Sciences - www.ed.ac.uk/biology

By doing First Aid for Mental Health Level 2, MHScot helped me by explaining better issues around Mental Health which I thought I already had a relatively clear understanding of. The main things that stood out were that asking someone about suicide does not suggest it to them as an option, no-one ever got worse by someone asking ‘How are you?’ and no-one chooses to become an addict. I am more convinced of physical health and mental health having equal priority, not only in the workplace. I would recommend MHScot to people who need convincing that ‘manning-up’ and ‘soldiering-on’ is an effective health and well-being approach.

Glasgow City Council - www.glasgow.gov.uk

MHScot helped us to have a better awareness and understanding of mental health, both within the workplace but also out with which is important to us as a company. No one is scared to approach the subject now and share. We found the experience enlightening and encouraging supporting others but also to look after your own mental health both within and out with the workplace. We would recommend MHScot to people who need to increase their awareness and help with what to do in a situation or potential crisis with yourself or others.

Perth Racecourse - www.perth-races.co.uk

The Supervising / Leading First Aid for Mental Health Level 3 provided myself and my colleagues further tools and incites in how to relate to our staff, with the goal to create a psychologically safe workspace. I am now better equipped to talk to our staff and deliver the support they deserve. We really liked the broad subject matter in covering a wide range of subjects. I would recommend MHScot to people who need to work with a wide and varied workforce that want to get the most out of the workplace.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions - www.camera-obscura.co.uk