About this course
Mental Health First Aid teaches individuals how to recognise when someone may be experiencing a mental health or substance use difficulty and how to respond in a supportive and appropriate way. The course addresses common mental health concerns encountered by adults and provides practical strategies to offer initial help and guide someone towards professional support.
Participants learn how to recognise signs and symptoms, reduce stigma, and respond with empathy and understanding. The training is suitable for family members, friends, and peers—empowering communities to support one another and fostering a culture of mental health awareness.
All participants receive a copy of the Mental Health First Aid manual and a Certificate of Completion.
Key information
Duration
12 hours
Location
Courses can be delivered online or in-person
Fees
EUR €300.00
Prerequisites
When training is delivered online, all training will default to Zoom, unless otherwise specified. This course is not a therapy/support group and is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18 to attend. If you have experienced a recent crisis or bereavement linked to mental health, we recommend that you wait 12-18 months before attending Mental Health First Aid training.
Upcoming Courses
November 2025
-
MHFA Public Online/Onsite
Tue,18Nov2025,09:30 GMT-16:00 GMT
Online
From €325.00
MHFA Public Online/Onsite
Tue,25Nov2025,09:30-16:00
From €325.00
December 2025
How we learn togetherThe course can be delivered over two days or in four 3-hour modules.
Mental Health Topics Covered in this CourseThe course curriculum was designed using guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and mental health professionals.
Emerging mental health problems covered include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Substance Misuse
Mental health crises covered include:
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Self-harm
- Panic attacks
- Traumatic events
- Severe psychotic states
- Severe effects of alcohol or other drug use
- Aggressive behaviours
Evidence-basedResearch and evaluation have been integral to the Mental Health First Aid programme since its inception, led by co-founder Professor Anthony Jorm at the University of Melbourne.
In Ireland, a 2022 study conducted by the University of Limerick evaluated the long-term impact of Mental Health First Aid training. The findings confirmed that the programme helps improve participants’ knowledge, confidence, and supportive behaviours when responding to mental health difficulties. The study also identified key factors that can influence outcomes, including stigma, access to mental health services, and the availability of social support. It emphasised the importance of promoting inclusive and equitable environments to enable the effective application of Mental Health First Aid skills.
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