Refreshing your Youth Mental Health First Aider skills
The Youth MHFA Refresher is a four-hour course designed to update the knowledge, skills, and confidence of those who have previously completed Youth Mental Health First Aid training. Recommended every three years, it ensures you remain prepared to support young people aged 8-18 effectively. The course revisits key concepts, strengthens understanding of current mental health challenges facing young people, and provides time to practise applying the Youth MHFA action plan (ALGEE�). It helps participants recognise early signs of poor mental health, respond appropriately, and feel confident having supportive conversations. Ideal for anyone who works with, lives with, or supports young people, the refresher reinforces your ability to step in when it matters most and contribute to a mentally healthy environment. Participants will also maintain membership with the Association of Mental Health First Aiders�, with access to ongoing learning, resources, and support.
Details
This course is designed for anyone working with children and young people aged 8-18, including schools, Children & Families Services, third sector organisations, and private providers. It is delivered through interactive activities, presentations, and discussions in a psychologically safe environment, with group sizes capped at 16 (minimum 10) to support meaningful participation. Session 1: Introduction, housekeeping and group agreement, followed by an overview of mental health, the mental health continuum, the stress container, and the adolescent brain. Session 2: Revisiting the Youth MHFAider� role and action plan, with film, discussion, and a focus on practical application of the five MHFA actions. Session 3: Continuation of the Youth MHFA action plan, developing skills to support young people, including communication, support, and encouraging professional help and wider networks. Session 4: Applying learning through conversation practice, exploring social media, boundaries and self-care, and reflecting on ongoing development, before a final recap and close. Further details about this course can be found at https://www.schoolwellbeing.co.uk/mental-health-wellbeing/pages/youth-mental-health-first-aid-training
Outcome
This Refresher course trains you as a Youth Mental Health First Aider. Youth Mental Health First Aiders will be able to: • Explain what mental health is • Describe how to look after their own mental health and wellbeing • Describe the signs of poor mental health in young people • Explain some of the risk factors associated with poor mental health in young people • Demonstrate how to apply the Youth MHFA action plan (ALGEE�) in a conversation with a young person • Describe the role of a Youth MHFAider Everyone who completes the course will be able to take away with them: • A hard copy of the learner workbook to support learning throughout the course • Access to the Youth MHFA course manual via the Online Learning Hub • The opportunity to give online feedback (opt-out available), followed by a digital certificate • An invitation to the Association of Mental Health First Aiders - England's first and only membership body for Mental Health First Aiders, offering exclusive access to resources, training, events, and research Following the programme, delegates will receive a certificate from Mental Health First Aid England confirming their attendance on the course and their status as a Youth Mental Health First Aider.
Trainer
Health & Wellbeing Team
Cost: �65 per delegate ( with a current Health & Wellbeing SLA ) �80 per delegate ( without a current Health & Wellbeing SLA ) Note: This training is not covered by Health & Wellbeing SLA credits. Bespoke delivery available at your venue: �750 (up to 16 participants). Venues must seat 16 plus two trainers, support presentations, and provide a quiet space if required. Duration: Half day ( 8:45am arrival for 9:00am-1:00pm ). Full attendance is required for accreditation. Refreshments: Not provided. Please bring your own; hot and cold water available. Cancellations: Minimum 5 working days' notice required. Late cancellations/non-attendance charged in full ('pay as you go'); SLA schools incur �30 per delegate. Minimum of 8 participants required (licence condition). Full attendance is mandatory-no continuation or refund for missed sessions (except illness or bereavement). Trainer: Steven Body - 07891 273134 steven.body@leeds.gov.uk Enquiries: schoolwellbeing@leeds.gov.uk
