MHFA England · Youth
Youth Mental Health First Aid course
Two days in Winchester, or four live sessions online
Delivered by
Peter Larkum
Over 25 years workingwith young people, and an
MHFA England instructor
since 2009
This course qualifies you as a Youth Mental Health First Aider, certified by MHFA England, whether you take it in person or online.
At a glance
- Price
- £325 plus VAT per person (open courses)
- How long
- Two consecutive days in person, or four live online sessions of 4 hours (09:30 to 13:30)
- Where
- Live online, in Winchester, or face to face at your workplace or school
- Group size
- Up to 16 people, so everyone gets support and a say
- You get
- MHFA England certificate as a Youth Mental Health First Aider, Youth MHFA manual and workbook
Who it's for
Anyone who works with or cares for young people aged 8 to 18. It suits:
- Teachers, support staff and pastoral teams
- Youth workers, coaches and volunteers
- Safeguarding and wellbeing leads
- Parents and carers who want to know what to say
No experience needed. You don’t need to be an expert, just willing to listen.
By the end you'll be able to
- Understand young people’s mental health and what affects their wellbeing
- Spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
- Reassure and support a young person in distress
- Listen without judgement
- Guide a young person to further support, working with parents, carers and agencies where right
- Look after your own wellbeing
The course follows the MHFA England action plan, taught through short presentations, group discussions and practical activities. Expect to laugh as well as learn.
Can't make these dates? We can run a private course for your team. Ask about in-house training
What delegates say
★★★★★
“The best youth Mental Health training I have had in 20 years of working with young people. I highly recommend Peter.”
★★★★★
“A fantastic 2 day training course. Pete made a difficult topic manageable, and offered extra insights that were invaluable.”
★★★★★
“What a fantastic course!… with Peter as the trainer, staying engaged was never an issue!”
★★★★★
“Absolutely phenomenal course that everyone should do. It offered such insight and opened up discussions within different teams that never would have been had. Invaluable thank you.”
★★★★★
“In over 30 years working in education this was most probably the most interesting and informative course I have ever done! Peter is an inspirational trainer/speaker who challenged my thoughts and points of view.”
★★★★★
“Peter was an amazing instructor. It was really engaging and I feel as though it has really boosted my confidence when dealing with mental health situations. Thank you.”
★★★★★
“A great online training course, a great insight in how to best support young people with their mental health”
★★★★★
“Hugely valuable and a must for anyone working with young people!”
FAQs
Is this the official MHFA England course?
Yes. Peter is an accredited MHFA England Instructor Member, and everyone who completes the course is certified by MHFA England as a Youth Mental Health First Aider.
Is online as good as in person?
The content and certificate are the same. Online runs as four live 4-hour sessions with Peter (09:30 to 13:30), never pre-recorded, with plenty of discussion and small-group work.
Do I have to attend every session?
Yes. To be certified you need to attend all four sessions, or both days in person.
Does this cover safeguarding?
It complements your safeguarding training. It does not replace it.
Is it emotionally heavy?
The course covers serious topics, including suicide and self-harm. Peter keeps the room safe and supportive, and you can step out at any time. Many delegates say it was lighter and more enjoyable than they expected.
Where are the in-person courses held?
In Winchester, or at your school or workplace. The full venue address, with a map, is on each date’s booking page.
Can my organisation pay by invoice?
Yes. Card payment is taken when you book online. To pay by invoice instead, email hello@peterlarkum.com and we’ll arrange it.
Can you train our whole team?
Yes. Peter runs private Youth MHFA courses at your school or workplace, or online, for up to 16 people per course. See below.
Read more answers to common questions
More details
Format
Online course: 4 live sessions of 4 hours (09:30 to 13:30)
In person course: 4 sessions across 2 consecutive days
Learning takes place through a mix of presentations, group discussions, and workshop activities
Each session is built around a Mental Health First Aid action plan
We limit numbers to 16 people per course so that the instructor can keep people safe and supported while they learn
Takeaways
Everyone who completes the course gets:
A certificate of attendance to say you are a Youth Mental Health First Aider
A Youth MHFA manual to refer to whenever you need it
A workbook including some helpful tools to support your own mental health
What have other past attendees said about attending MHFA courses run by Peter?
Course Structure
Session 1: Youth Mental Health First Aid
About Youth Mental Health First Aid
Context: England’s child health care policy
About mental health – facts and figures
Risk factors for mental ill health
Protective factors for mental health
Preventing mental health issues and promoting wellbeing
The Youth MHFA action plan: ALGEE
Session 2: Depression and anxiety
About depression – facts and figures
Signs and symptoms
Risk factors
About anxiety disorders – facts and figures
Signs and symptoms
Risk factors
The MHFA action plan for depression and anxiety: ALGEE
Session 3: Suicide and psychosis
About suicide
Risk factors and warning signs for suicide
First aid for suicidal crisis
About psychosis
Risk factors and warning signs of psychosis
Types of psychotic disorders
Crisis first aid for acute psychosis
The MHFA action plan for psychosis: ALGEE
Session 4: Self-harm and eating disorders
About self-harm – facts and figures
Risk factors
Signs and symptoms
The MHFA action plan for self-harm: ALGEE
About eating disorders – facts and figures
Different types of eating disorders
The MHFA action plan for eating disorders: ALGEE
Recovery
Train your whole team
Bring Youth Mental Health First Aid to your school or team. Peter runs private courses on site or online, on dates that suit you.
Every organisation is different, so tell us a little about your team and choose what happens next: a tailored quote, or a short call to talk it through.
Alternatively, email hello@peterlarkum.com directly.