Workplace Mental Health First Aid Course

Our two-day Workplace Mental Health First Aid course equips your team to recognise when a colleague is struggling, have a supportive conversation, and guide them toward the right help in Leeds. It leads to the Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Mental Health: Workplace First Aider — a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by Qualsafe Awards — and is designed for Leeds employers serious about wellbeing. Train with us at our Leeds centre, or we'll deliver it on site to your team.

At a glance

• Qualification: Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Mental Health: Workplace First Aider (Ofqual-regulated)
• Duration: 2 days
• Certificate: Valid for 3 years
• Who it's for: Workplace mental health first aiders, managers, HR & wellbeing staff
• Price: £295 per person · on-site quote for groups
• Where: Stringer House, Hunslet, Leeds — or on site at your workplace

Note on qualifications: this is the Ofqual-regulated Qualsafe Level 3 workplace qualification — a nationally recognised regulated award (distinct from the MHFA England "MHFAider" programme). If your policy or a tender specifies a particular scheme, just ask and we'll confirm it's the right fit before you book.

Why it matters for your workplace

Mental ill health is now one of the leading causes of workplace absence, and HSE guidance increasingly expects employers to assess and manage work-related stress. A trained mental health first aider gives your organisation a clear, confident first point of support — helping to reduce stigma, spot problems earlier, support colleagues appropriately, and signpost people to professional help. It's a practical step toward a healthier, more productive and more loyal workforce.

Who should attend

Designated workplace mental health first aiders, line managers and team leaders, HR, people and wellbeing staff, health and safety leads, and anyone responsible for supporting colleagues — across offices, retail, education, healthcare, manufacturing and beyond. No prior knowledge is needed.

What you'll learn

Over the two days you'll cover:

• What mental health is, and the factors that affect wellbeing
• The role and boundaries of a workplace mental health first aider
• Recognising the signs of common conditions — stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks
• Understanding more complex conditions, including psychosis, bipolar disorder and eating disorders
• Recognising when someone may be struggling, including signs of self-harm or suicidal feelings, and how to respond safely and supportively
• Starting and holding a supportive conversation, and active listening
• Signposting people to professional and workplace support
• Building and sustaining a mentally healthy workplace culture

What to expect on the day

The course is delivered in a calm, respectful and confidential environment. It mixes trainer-led learning with discussion, group activities and practical scenarios that build your confidence to start a supportive conversation. There's no pressure to share anything personal, and the trainer keeps the space safe and considerate throughout — fitting, given the subject.

By the end of the course you'll be able to

Recognise the early signs that a colleague may be struggling; approach them and hold a calm, supportive conversation; respond appropriately to a range of mental health situations, including crisis; signpost people to the right professional and workplace support; and help foster a more open, mentally healthy culture at work.

Assessment & certificate

Assessment is by multiple-choice exam — there's no essay or written assignment to prepare. On successful completion you'll receive the Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Mental Health: Workplace First Aider, valid for three years.

On-site training for your team

We deliver this course on site at your workplace across Leeds and West Yorkshire, tailored to your organisation — an effective way to train a cohort of mental health first aiders together and embed a shared approach. Call for a group quote.

Why train with First Aid Course Leeds

We've helped Leeds organisations build healthier workplaces since 2018, training over 5,000 people in first aid and wellbeing skills.

Our first aid courses are accredited by the First Aid Industry Body (FAIB), whose qualifications meet HSE requirements. Our Level 3 Paediatric First Aid and Mental Health First Aid qualifications are awarded by Qualsafe Awards (Ofqual-regulated), and our CPR & Defibrillator (AED) training is certificated by Skills Training Group. Like the British Red Cross and St John Ambulance, our training meets the standards set by the HSE, Ofsted, the EYFS and the Department for Education.

Your training is led by Martin Sanders — a serving Leeds firefighter and qualified Casualty Care Instructor who brings real front-line emergency experience to every session. Alongside his FAA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work, Martin holds recognised teaching and assessing qualifications, so you learn life-saving skills from someone who both uses them in the field and knows how to teach them. All first aid certificates are valid for three years.

Training takes place at our centre at Stringer House, 34 Lupton Street, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 2QR — free on-site parking, easy to reach from the city centre — or we'll come to you for group bookings.

Venue, parking & getting here

Open courses run at Stringer House, 34 Lupton Street, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 2QR — free on-site parking, step-free access and easy links from the city centre and the M621. Refreshments are provided; let us know about any accessibility or learning-support needs in advance.

Frequently asked questions

What qualification do I get?

The Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Mental Health: Workplace First Aider — a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification, valid for three years.

Is this the same as MHFA England's course?

It's a different scheme — an Ofqual-regulated qualification rather than the MHFA England "MHFAider" programme. Both are widely recognised; if your organisation requires a specific one, tell us and we'll confirm the right fit.

Do I need any background in mental health?

No — the course starts from the basics and is suitable for anyone.

Is the content difficult or upsetting?

It's handled sensitively and professionally in a supportive environment. You're never required to share anything personal, and the trainer keeps the space safe.

How is it assessed?

A multiple-choice exam — no written assignment to revise for.

Can you train a group of our staff together?

Yes — on-site delivery across Leeds and West Yorkshire, tailored to your workplace.

How many mental health first aiders should we have?

It depends on your size and structure; many organisations follow a ratio per number of employees. We're happy to advise.

Can my employer be invoiced?

Yes — for individual or group bookings.

Ready to book?

Hit View Dates to see upcoming sessions and Book Now to reserve your place — or call 0113 543 6636 for advice or a team quote.