Module 1 – Understanding Mental Health
• What is mental health?
• Mental health and physical health
• Understanding positive mental health
• Poor mental health and mental ill health
• Mental health across the workplace
• Everyone has mental health
• Factors that can affect mental wellbeing
• Understanding individual differences
• Why mental health awareness matters
Mental Health First Aid England describes mental health training as helping people understand mental health, challenge stigma, recognise signs of poor mental health and develop confidence in starting supportive conversations.

Module 2 – Mental Health in the Workplace
• Mental health and working life
• Workplace pressures
• Workload and deadlines
• Change and uncertainty
• Workplace relationships
• Financial and personal pressures
• Work-life balance
• Remote and hybrid working
• Workplace culture
• Supporting a mentally healthy workplace

Module 3 – Recognising Signs of Poor Mental Health
• Changes in behaviour
• Changes in mood
• Withdrawal and isolation
• Changes in communication
• Reduced concentration
• Changes in performance
• Increased absence
• Changes in sleep or energy
• Signs of stress and anxiety
• Recognising when someone may need support
• Why one sign does not necessarily indicate a mental health condition

Module 4 – Common Mental Health Conditions
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Panic attacks
• Low mood
• Eating disorders – awareness
• Psychosis – awareness
• Other mental health conditions
• Common misconceptions
• The importance of avoiding diagnosis
• Understanding that mental health experiences differ between individuals
• Recovery and support

Module 5 – Mental Health, Stress & Wellbeing
• Understanding stress
• Workplace stress
• Common causes of stress
• Short-term and long-term stress
• Signs of excessive stress
• Building resilience
• Healthy coping strategies
• Rest and recovery
• Work-life balance
• Looking after your own wellbeing
• When additional support may be needed
The HSE recognises that employers have responsibilities around protecting employees from work-related stress and recommends a structured approach to identifying and addressing workplace stress risks.

Module 6 – Starting a Conversation About Mental Health
• Why conversations about mental health matter
• Choosing an appropriate time and place
• How to approach someone
• Asking open questions
• Listening without judgement
• Showing empathy
• Avoiding assumptions
• What to say and what not to say
• Respecting confidentiality
• Allowing the person to talk
• Knowing your limitations
• Practical workplace conversation scenarios

Module 7 – Providing Initial Support & Signposting
• What does mental health first aid awareness mean?
• Being a supportive first point of contact
• Listening and reassuring
• Encouraging professional support
• Signposting to workplace resources
• HR and employee assistance services
• GP and healthcare support
• Mental health organisations and helplines
• Supporting someone without trying to diagnose or treat them
• Maintaining appropriate boundaries
• When to seek additional assistance
Mental Health First Aid England describes its training as helping people spot signs of poor mental health, start conversations confidently and signpost people to appropriate support.

Module 8 – Mental Health Crisis Awareness
• Understanding a mental health crisis
• Recognising when someone may require urgent support
• Taking concerns seriously
• Staying calm
• Listening and providing reassurance
• Getting appropriate help
• Following workplace emergency procedures
• Contacting emergency services where appropriate
• Supporting someone while further help is arranged
• What not to do
• Maintaining personal safety
Important: This module provides awareness only. It does not provide clinical crisis intervention or suicide intervention training.

Module 9 – Challenging Stigma & Creating a Supportive Workplace
• Understanding mental health stigma
• Common myths and misconceptions
• Appropriate workplace language
• Challenging negative stereotypes
• Respecting privacy
• Supporting colleagues
• Creating psychologically supportive teams
• Encouraging open conversations
• Promoting inclusion
• Leadership and management responsibilities
• Creating a culture where people can seek help

Final Assessment
Assessment Structure
• Multiple-choice questions
• Questions covering the key areas of the course
• Knowledge checks throughout the modules
• Practical workplace scenarios
• Mental health awareness scenarios
• Final assessment upon completion
Pass Mark
70%
Failure Handling
If a learner does not achieve the required pass mark, they can:
• Review the relevant course modules
• Revisit the learning material
• Retake the assessment
• Up to 3 assessment attempts

This course is suitable for:
• All employees and new starters
• Managers and supervisors
• Team leaders
• HR and People teams
• Administrative and office staff
• Customer-facing employees
• Remote and hybrid workers
• Employees working in high-pressure environments
• Employees interested in workplace wellbeing
• Anyone who wants to improve their mental health awareness
No previous mental health knowledge or professional healthcare background is required for awareness-level training.

Improving Mental Health Awareness
Employees spend a significant amount of their time in the workplace. Greater awareness can help people recognise when they or their colleagues may need support.

Recognising Early Warning Signs
Understanding changes in behaviour, mood and communication can help employees recognise when someone may be experiencing difficulties.

Reducing Stigma
Mental health stigma can prevent people from talking about their experiences or seeking support. Awareness training can help create more open and supportive workplaces.

Starting Supportive Conversations
Employees can develop confidence in approaching colleagues appropriately and listening without judgement.

Knowing Where to Get Help
The course helps learners understand the importance of signposting people towards appropriate professional, workplace and support services.

Supporting Workplace Wellbeing
Mental health awareness can contribute to a workplace culture where mental health is treated as an important part of overall wellbeing.

Supporting Employers
The HSE highlights the importance of addressing work-related stress and protecting employee health, safety and wellbeing.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand what mental health means
• Recognise that everyone has mental health
• Understand the difference between positive and poor mental health
• Recognise common signs of poor mental health
• Understand factors that can affect mental wellbeing
• Identify common workplace mental health challenges
• Understand the impact of stress and work-related pressures
• Recognise common mental health conditions at an awareness level
• Challenge stigma and misconceptions around mental health
• Approach conversations about mental health appropriately
• Listen without judgement
• Understand appropriate boundaries when supporting colleagues
• Know when and how to signpost someone to further support
• Recognise when an urgent response may be required
• Understand the importance of looking after their own mental health
• Contribute to a supportive and mentally healthy workplace

Online E-Learning
• 100% online learning
• Self-paced course delivery
• Interactive learning modules
• Workplace scenarios
• Practical examples
• Knowledge checks
• Mental health awareness activities
• Final multiple-choice assessment
• Flexible online access
• Suitable for individual and group training

The course introduces learners to relevant UK workplace principles and guidance, including:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Equality Act 2010
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on work-related stress
• HSE Management Standards approach to work-related stress
• Workplace mental health and wellbeing principles
• Employee support and signposting
• Workplace equality and inclusion principles

The HSE states that employers have a duty to protect employees from work-related stress as part of their wider health and safety responsibilities.

Samson Training provides professional workplace training designed to help organisations develop employee awareness, wellbeing and positive workplace cultures.

Our approach focuses on:

• Practical workplace mental health awareness
• Recognising signs of poor mental health
• Reducing stigma
• Supportive workplace conversations
• Listening and empathy
• Appropriate signposting
• Workplace wellbeing
• Stress awareness
• Crisis awareness
• Practical workplace scenarios
• Remote and hybrid working considerations
• Flexible online learning
• Training suitable for employees at different levels

Our e-learning format allows organisations to provide consistent mental health awareness training across their workforce while giving employees the flexibility to complete training online.

What is Mental Health First Aid Awareness Training?
This course provides employees with an introduction to mental health, recognising signs of poor mental health, reducing stigma, starting supportive conversations and signposting people towards appropriate support.

Is this the same as becoming a Mental Health First Aider?
No. This is an awareness-level course and does not qualify learners as formal Mental Health First Aiders.

The full MHFA England course is a substantially longer programme designed to develop Mental Health First Aiders with more extensive knowledge and skills.

Who should complete this course?
The course is suitable for employees at all levels, managers, supervisors, HR teams and anyone interested in improving their understanding of mental health in the workplace.

How long does the course take?
Approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on the learner and their pace.

Is the course delivered online?
Yes. The course is delivered through flexible, self-paced online e-learning.

Do I need previous mental health experience?
No. The course is designed for general workplace awareness and does not require previous mental health or healthcare experience.

What will I learn?
You will learn how to recognise common signs of poor mental health, understand workplace mental health challenges, approach supportive conversations, listen appropriately and signpost people towards further support.