Course Summary
Our Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Course provides essential skills and knowledge for supporting the mental wellbeing of children and young people, making it an ideal choice for schools and other youth-focused environments.
There is a growing number of children and teenagers developing serious mental health problems. Early intervention can play a crucial role in protecting the mental wellbeing of young people. Those who work around children are ideally placed to spot the signs and symptoms of poor mental wellbeing.
Our Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Course helps participants understand the mental health challenges faced by children and teenagers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to provide effective support. Updated for 2025 with the latest research, the course has been redeveloped through an inclusive lens, shaped by the voices and experiences of young people themselves.
The 2 day Mental Health First Aid Youth course is an internationally recognised programme designed for teachers, as well as anyone who works with, lives with, or cares for young people aged 8 to 18. The training is delivered in four sessions, each lasting three hours.
This programme is suitable for primary schools, secondary schools, further education and other key educational settings. On completion of this training, candidates are certified as ‘Youth Mental Health First Aiders'.
The course can play an important part in a teacher’s professional development, building confidence and helping them to better understand, connect with, and support children and young people.
To register your interest in our Youth Mental First Aid Training, please visit our contact us page, call 0121 271 0550 or email us at info@altruistuk.com.
We also offer Senior Mental Health Lead Training and Mental Health Workshops for Schools.
Why should I take the 2 day Youth Mental Health First Aid course?
- In 2023, one in five children and young people aged eight to 25 had a probable mental health condition. (NHS England)
- Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, 75% by age 24. (National Institute for Mental Health)
- In the last three years, the likelihood of young people having a mental health problem has increased by 50% (The Children’s Society)
- Suicide was the leading cause of death for people aged 5-35 in England in 2022. (Papyrus)
What are the benefits of Youth MHFA Training?
The course will teach you to:
- Spot the early signs of a mental health issue in young people
- Feel confident helping a young person experiencing mental ill health
- Provide help on a first aid basis
- Help protect a young person who might be at risk of harm
- Help prevent a mental health issue from getting worse
- Help a young person recover faster
- Guide a young person towards the right support
- Reduce the stigma of mental health issues.
What will I learn from the Youth MHFA course?
Our Youth MHFA course is split into four manageable chunks. These are:
Session 1 - Mental Health
- What is mental health?
- What is Youth Mental Health First Aid?
- Your role as a Youth MHFAider
- What influences mental health?
- The Mental Health Continuum
- The Frame of Reference
- The Stress Bucket
Session 2 - Anxiety and Trauma
- The adolescent brain
- The Youth MHFA ALGEE action plan
- Youth MHFA conversation in action
- Boundaries of your role
- What is anxiety?
- Crisis first aid for panic attacks
- What is a traumatic event?
- Applying Youth MHFA to case studies
Session 3 - Depression, Self-harm and Suicide Awareness
- Recap Youth MHFA ALGEE action plan
- Supporting young people from marginalised groups
- What is depression?
- What is self-harm?
- Suicide thoughts and behaviours
- What is self-care?
Session 4 - Psychosis and Eating Disorders
- Addictive behaviours and substance misuse
- Applying the Youth MHFA action plan to scenarios
- What is psychosis?
- What is disordered eating?
- Recovery
- Reviewing the Youth MHFAider role and boundaries
- Youth MHFA conversation practice
Everyone who completes the Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Course will receive:
- A certificate to say they are a Youth Mental Health First Aider
- A digital Youth MHFA manual to refer to whenever they need it
- A Youth MHFA workbook
- A Youth MHFA Action Plan ALGEE card
Course Location:
We are based in Birmingham but are experienced in providing face-to-face training throughout the UK, depending on your school or organisation's requirements. We also deliver Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Online.
How much does Youth Mental Health First Aid Training cost?
Youth Mental Health First Aid prices start from £245+ VAT per person (8 - 16 delegates).
