Why MHFA Refresher Training is a Smart Investment

With sickness absence at a 15-year high and stress levels on the rise, organisations are under pressure to support wellbeing. A strong network of trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) is one effective way to do this.

Completing workplace mental health training is just the first step. Skills need refreshing to stay effective and this is where the MHFA Refresher comes in. In four hours, it helps MHFAiders renew their knowledge, sharpen practical skills, and stay confident in supporting themselves and colleagues.

The role of MHFA in the workplace

A Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider) promotes wellbeing and offers initial support to colleagues who may be experiencing poor mental health. They listen, provide a safe space to talk, offer reassurance, and guide individuals towards the most appropriate help. Having a robust MHFAider network in the workplace fosters a culture of care, reduces stigma, and supports early intervention.

6 reasons why Mental Health First Aid Refresher Training is a smart investment

1. Renew mental health knowledge and practical skills

Mental health understanding evolves as research, policies, and workplace challenges change. The MHFA Refresher helps MHFAiders revisit core principles while learning updated techniques and approaches. This ensures they remain effective and prepared to respond to colleagues who may need support.

2. Build confidence and ease pressure on HR teams and managers

Even the most dedicated MHFAider can lose confidence if they haven’t used their skills for a while. The refresher course gives them the opportunity to practice, ask questions, and share experiences with others. By keeping MHFAiders confident and active, organisations reduce the pressure on HR and line managers, who would otherwise carry much of the responsibility for workplace wellbeing alone.

3. Demonstrate organisational commitment to wellbeing, supporting recruitment and retention

Investing in Mental Health First Aid signals to employees that their wellbeing truly matters. In today’s competitive job market, organisations that prioritise wellbeing are more likely to attract and retain talent. Embedding MHFA into your employee value proposition (EVP) helps strengthen your reputation as a supportive and responsible employer.

4. Maximise budget by upskilling existing resources

When budgets are tight, refreshing skills is often more cost-effective than training new MHFAiders. The MHFA refresher course cost is significantly lower than a full certification course, making it a smart choice for maintaining a strong network without over-stretching resources. This approach also helps to future-proof your wellbeing strategy by keeping existing MHFAiders engaged and active.

5. Equip MHFAiders to support colleagues during organisational change and uncertainty

Periods of organisational change, such as restructures, mergers, or economic pressures can be particularly stressful for employees. Refreshed MHFAiders are better equipped to provide timely support, helping to prevent stress and burnout. Their role becomes even more important during uncertain times, offering stability, empathy, and practical guidance when colleagues need it most.

6. Flexible booking options that fit around busy schedules

One of the advantages of the Altruist MHFA refresher training is its flexibility. Unlike private courses which requires MHFAiders to attend at the same time, the refresher can be booked individually. Colleagues can choose from available dates that fit around their workload, making it easier to maintain skills without disruption to business operations. This flexibility helps organisations embed MHFA sustainably into their culture.

Mental Health First Aid certification and refresher 

Mental Health First Aid is a two-day internationally recognised mental health awareness course. On completion, participants gain mental health first aid certification and are recognised as ‘Mental Health First Aiders’.

To ensure skills remain current, the mental health first aid refresher is a four-hour course designed to help MHFAiders renew their knowledge, refresh practical techniques, and stay confident in their role. Once colleagues have completed their refresher, they can continue to display their mental health first aid badge and wear their mhfa lanyard.

How often do I need to renew my Mental Health First Aid certification?

It is recommended that Mental Health First Aiders complete an MHFA Refresher course every two to three years. This ensures they remain up to date with best practices, feel confident supporting colleagues, and continue to meet their organisation’s wellbeing strategy requirements.

Mental Health First Aid statistics

The importance of keeping MHFA skills current is clear when looking at recent data:

• Sickness absence levels are at a 15-year high. Mental ill-health is the leading cause of long-term absence and the second biggest cause of short-term absence. (CIPD Health & Wellbeing at Work Report 2025)
• Staff turnover, as a result of poor mental health, costs UK employers £20bn annually. (Deloitte Mental Health and Employers 2024)
• Rising staff costs make budgeting for wellbeing a top challenge for organisations (CIPD Health & Wellbeing at Work Report 2025)
• A shocking 91% of UK adults have experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress in the past year (Mental Health UK)

Mental Health First Aid reviews

MHFA Refresher Course Cost

The MHFA Refresher course cost is £175 + VAT for a four-hour session. This represents a cost-effective way to keep your MHFAider network strong. 

It is often more affordable to refresh an existing MHFAider than to train someone new, although it’s always important to maintain a robust, up-to-date team to account for staff turnover and organisational changes.

Book your MHFA Refresher training

Book your online MHFA Refresher training today, and choose from our available dates to suit your team’s schedule.