What will I learn on the course?

• How to apply the 5 steps of SMHFA
• How to respond if you believe someone is at risk of suicide.
• How to give immediate help until professional help is available.
• What to say and do in a crisis
• The importance of good listening skills
• Practice listening and responding
• Understanding recovery from mental health problems
• Understanding the connection between mental health problems and alcohol and drugs
• Understanding the connection between mental health problems and discrimination
• Some basic information about common mental health problems
• Self help information

What happens on a SMHFA course

The course takes 12 hours and is often run on two separate days. Sometimes it will be in shorter sessions over two, four or six weeks.
It is an interesting course that includes different activities, films, discussions and even some fun and laughter.
You will get a certificate of attendance and a colourful and interesting manual to take away with you at the end so that you can remind yourself of what you’ve learned.

The aims of SMHFA are:

• to preserve life 
• to provide initial help 
• to prevent the problem getting worse 
• to promote recovery of good mental health 
• to provide comfort

The course will give you the knowledge to apply these aims in a real life situation.