What’s the Difference Between a Mental Health Awareness Course and a Mental Health Ambassador Course?
When it comes to supporting mental health in the workplace or in schools, it can be difficult to know which type of training your team really needs. Do all staff need an introduction, or should some be trained to take on a more active role?
At First Steps First Aid Ltd, we offer a range of courses from ½-day awareness sessions through to our 2-day Mental Health & Wellbeing Ambassador course. Each serves a different purpose – so here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right option.
½-Day Mental Health Awareness (MHA) Course
Who it’s for:
All staff, especially those new to mental health training.
Schools or businesses wanting to raise general awareness.
What it covers:
Introduction to common mental health conditions.
Spotting early signs of stress, anxiety, or depression.
Basic conversation techniques to provide reassurance.
Signposting to professional support services.
Outcome:
Staff leave with a greater understanding of mental health and the confidence to start supportive conversations.
1-Day Workplace Mental Health (WMH) Course
Who it’s for:
Line managers, HR teams, or school leaders.
Anyone with responsibility for staff wellbeing or student support.
What it covers:
Deeper understanding of workplace pressures and their impact.
Reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations.
Creating an action plan for positive workplace culture.
Strategies to support colleagues and students effectively.
Outcome:
Participants gain practical tools to build healthier workplaces and learning environments.
2-Day Mental Health & Wellbeing Ambassador (MHWB) Course
Who it’s for:
Designated wellbeing leads in schools.
Workplace champions, HR officers, or mental health ambassadors.
What it covers:
Mental health law and workplace responsibilities.
Health inequalities and complex mental health conditions.
Advanced conversation skills and boundary-setting.
Self-care strategies for ambassadors.
Outcome:
Ambassadors become go-to points of contact within your organisation, supporting both colleagues and leadership with best practice.
Which Course Should You Choose?
Awareness (½ day) – Best for all-staff training to create a shared foundation.
Workplace Mental Health (1 day) – Ideal for line managers or senior staff.
Ambassador (2 days) – Suited for staff who will take on an ongoing role in supporting wellbeing.
Many schools and businesses choose a tiered approach:
Awareness for all staff.
Deeper training for leaders.
Ambassadors trained to provide ongoing support.
Training Available Across the UK
All of our mental health courses are available:
In-person (Hampshire and surrounding counties).
Via video call – meaning schools, GP surgeries, dental practices, and businesses anywhere in the UK can benefit.
This flexibility makes it easy for teams to access training without travel, while still receiving engaging, interactive, and practical sessions led by our registered paramedic trainers.
Ready to Choose the Right Mental Health Training for Your Team?
Contact First Steps First Aid Ltd today to discuss the best option for your staff.
