How to become an instructor

The following are essential for being considered for SMHFA instructor training programme of for being approved to deliver courses:

  • Returning a completed application pack before the closing date
  • Attended a 12-hour course within 12-months prior to coming on the instructor training
  • Personal and/or professional experience in the field of mental health
  • Experience of delivering training/teaching effectively
  • Networking experience
  • Awareness of the range of Scottish mental health services
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Knowledge of mental health problems
  • Positive attittude towards people with mental health problems
  • Enthusiasm and commitment towards reducing stigma associated with mental illness
  • Delivering training to groups who focus on reducing health inequalties

What kind of people become instructors?

SMHFA instructors come from a range of backgrounds including:

  • prison officers
  • social workers
  • nurses
  • doctors
  • psychiatrists
  • health promotion workers
  • service users
  • teachers and lecturers
  • training officers
  • freelance trainers
  • housing officers
  • staff from voluntary organisations
  • care home staff
  • counsellors
  • therapists
  • voluntary workers

Every instructor is responsible for organising their own courses. Public Health Scotland cannot help instructors to find opportunities for training work.

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