Youth Mental Health First Aid Refresher

Need to know

Entry requirements

This refresher is designed for people who have previously completed Youth Mental Health First Aid or who are existing Youth MHFAiders and need to keep their skills and certification up to date. It is suitable for people who live with, work with, teach, care for or support young people aged 8 to 18. Learners should be aged 18 or over.

The qualification gained

Youth MHFA Refresher Certificate – MHFA England CPD/refresher training. On completion, learners are certified for another three years and receive a digital certificate.

Assessment methods

There is no formal exam. Learning takes place through a tutor-led four-hour refresher session using discussion, practical activities and scenario-based practice. Learners practise applying the Youth MHFA Action Plan and must attend the full session to renew their certification.

Course content

Youth MHFA Refresher – four-hour course:

The course refreshes knowledge and practical skills for supporting young people aged 8 to 18. Content includes:

• Keeping Youth MHFA skills current and understanding the role of a Youth MHFAider
• Recognising signs and triggers of mental health issues in young people
• Practising the Youth MHFA Action Plan
• Reassuring and supporting a young person in distress
• Listening non-judgementally and signposting to further support, including self-help, education settings, the NHS, parents/carers and external agencies where appropriate
  – Supporting young people with longer-term mental health issues or disability to thrive
  – Looking after your own mental wellbeing and using ongoing MHFAider resources

Skills gained

Learners will refresh their confidence to recognise possible mental health issues, respond calmly, listen without judgement, reassure a young person in distress, apply the Youth MHFA Action Plan, signpost to appropriate support and maintain their own wellbeing while supporting others.

Further study/career options

Learners can continue in their role as Youth MHFAiders, use ongoing MHFAider support resources and continue to promote mentally healthy and supportive environments for young people in schools, colleges, workplaces, families and communities.

Additional information

MHFA England values the Youth MHFA Refresher course at £150 per person, although costs may vary depending on location and instructor member. Bedford College Group fee to be confirmed if different. Learners receive a Learner Workbook, online access to the Youth MHFA Course Manual and a digital certificate. No specialist equipment is required. Accessible course materials can be requested when booking.

This course does not qualify learners to be therapists. It refreshes skills to listen, reassure, respond and signpost. Learners must attend the full four-hour session to renew certification for another three years.