Mental Health First Aid and Advocacy in the Workplace: Level 2 Certificate
For learners who wish to raise awareness of mental health, create a culture of care and the promotion of positive mental health.
Course summary
- Qualification
- NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace
- Level
- Level 2
- Awarding body
- NCFE (CACHE)
- Qualification number (QAN)
- 603/5148/2
- Guided learning
- 120 hours
- Total time
- 135 hours, including study and assessment
- Cost
- Free if you are eligible
Who it's for and what you'll learn
This Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace NCFE CACHE level 2 qualification is designed for learners who wish to raise awareness of mental health, create a culture of care and the promotion of positive mental health. This qualification gives learners the opportunity to understand mental health, its associated care and how this can be applied to learners or colleagues in the workplace.
Workers within a wide range of public service roles may interact with those with mental health issues and support needs in their day-to-day work across a number of sectors. It may also be useful to learners studying qualifications in the following sectors/areas: customer service, housing, voluntary sector, sport and recreation, hospitality & travel and tourism.
This qualification aims to:
- focus on the study of mental health first aid and mental health advocacy in the workplace
- offer breadth and depth of study of mental health first aid
The objectives of this qualification are to:
- introduce and explore different types of mental ill health, and factors that may increase the risk of mental ill health in individuals
- understand how to support individuals with mental ill health within the boundaries of own role
- explore how to create a mentally healthy environment for individuals in a variety of settings.
What the course covers
To be awarded the Understanding Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace level 2 qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 3 mandatory units:
Unit 1 - Exploring mental health
This unit will introduce learners to different types of mental ill health. They will understand factors which may contribute to mental ill health and actions that can be taken.
The learner will:
- Know what is meant by mental health and mental ill health
- Understand factors which may contribute to mental ill health
- Understand types of mental ill health in individuals
- Understand actions to take when an individual is facing a mental health crisis
Unit 2 - Understand how to support individuals with mental ill health
The aim of this unit is to understand how to support individuals with mental ill health. Learners will understand their responsibilities and how to protect their own mental health.
The learner will:
- Understand the importance of positive relationships
- Understand the importance of a person-centred approach to supporting mental ill health
- Understand own responsibilities and limitations in relation to the mental health of others
- Understand how to protect own mental health when supporting others
- Understand the impact of attitudes and perceptions of mental health for individuals and organisations
Unit 3 - Understand a mentally healthy environment
Learners will know about relevant legislation. They will understand mentally healthy environments and wellness action plans.
The learner will:
- Know about the legislative framework relevant to mental health
- Understand mentally healthy environments
- Understand the importance of having a wellness action plan
How these courses usually work
Every provider does things a little differently, so check the details with them before you apply.
Where and how you study
Most of these courses are studied online, from home. You'll usually need internet access and a laptop or desktop computer. A phone or tablet may not be enough. Some providers can send paper workbooks if you ask.
How long it takes
- This qualification is designed to take about 135 hours in total, including study and assessment.
- Many learners finish in around 6 weeks by studying 4 to 5 hours a week. You can go faster if you have more time.
- Providers usually set a deadline, often 10 to 12 weeks after you start.
Support
Providers usually give you a tutor who marks your work and answers your questions by email, phone or message.
Assessment
There are usually no exams. Instead, you answer assessment questions as you work through the course and send them to your tutor to mark. If an answer needs more work, you can usually change it and send it again.
Your certificate
When you pass, your certificate comes from the awarding body, NCFE. It often takes 8 to 12 weeks to arrive after your final assessment.
Things to check before you start
- Many providers only let you study one funded course at a time.
- If you leave the course early, or don't finish by the deadline, some providers charge an admin or withdrawal fee, often around £125. Ask about this before you sign up.
Can I do this course for free?
ASF local flexibility: 19+, England resident, unemployed or earning under £26,800 (devolved areas vary).
Check whether you're eligible for a free course. The provider makes the final decision.
Where can I study this?
We've found 4 providers offering this course for free to eligible learners.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re likely to get this course for free. We’ll then show you which providers offer it.
What could I do next?
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Sources
- NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace - List of Qualifications approved for fundingqualifications.education.gov.uk
- NCFE qualification factsheet (603/5148/2)ncfe.org.uk (PDF)
- Error - List of Qualifications approved for fundingqualifications.education.gov.uk
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