About this course

This course was developed in Australia and brought under license to Scotland over six years ago. It has been developed from the adult SMHFA course to deal with the specific mental health issues that affect young people’s lives and can escalate to crisis situations. These situations being self-harm and suicide.

The course is administered by Health Scotland and the certificate awarded is recognised as part of the CPD requirement for teachers to keep their GTC registration. Upon receipt of their certificate students are Mental Health First Aiders.

In recognition of the busy work schedule that most people have, SMHFAyp has been constructed as a blended learning course. It has three parts. Part one is completed online and takes between 3 to 4 hours to do. Part Two is face-to-face delivery and takes 7 hours. Part three is online and takes between 3 and 4 hours.

The average time for completion is two months. Groups set their own timescales.

The students receive a manual with part two and a certificate from Health Scotland on completion. The certificate is not time limited.

The course is suitable for anyone who works or cares for any young people between 11 and 18 years old.

Our trainer who has 26 years experience in youth work, adult education, health improvement and mental health training, was one of the first people in Scotland to be trained and she has been delivering the course for over 5 years.