Facilitated by an SMHFA instructor, this interactive workshop enables Scottish Mental Health First Aiders to refresh their skills and knowledge, build confidence and explore best practice.
Keep up to date with SMHFA Refresher training
Scotland's Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) Refresher course is designed for individuals who have previously completed the full 2-day SMHFA training. While there is no official requirement to retake the SMHFA course, this refresher session has been developed to keep Mental Health First Aiders up-to-date with current approaches and resources and to address any questions that may have arisen from their experiences of providing support. This session gives participants the opportunity to gain valuable insights to increase their knowledge and confidence to support others in the workplace.
This refresher course has been developed by experienced SMHFA trainers in accordance with guidelines from Public Health Scotland, which allows certified trainers to develop refresher courses based on SMHFA principles.
Key benefits of attending this course
- Update your knowledge and skills to maintain confidence in providing mental health first aid
- Address specific questions that have arisen from your experience as a Mental Health First Aider
- Learn about any updates to the ALGEE framework* and other aspects of mental health first aid
- Refresh your understanding of how to approach someone in crisis
- Enhance your skills in diffusing tense situations and managing risk
- Improve your understanding of effective questioning and empathetic listening skills in a safe space
- Update your knowledge of available support services and resources
- Connect with other Mental Health First Aiders to share experiences and best practice
- Reinforce the importance of self-care when supporting others
Who would benefit from attending this course?
This refresher course is specifically designed for individuals who have previously completed the full SMHFA training. We recommend taking this refresher every 2-3 years to keep up-to-date with current practices, approaches and resources to maintain your mental health first aid skills and knowledge.
Course Overview
The refresher session mirrors the interactive format of the original SMHFA course and includes group discussions, a reminder of key points in applying a mental health first aid approach and Q&A sessions. Participants will receive information about any updated resources, contacts and support services, along with any new guidance on mental health first aid approaches that have emerged since their initial training.
Upon completion, all participants will receive an In Equilibrium certificate of attendance.
The course content includes:
- Review of the ALGEE framework* and any recent updates
- Discussion of best approaches for initial conversations with someone in crisis
- Updated techniques for supporting individuals experiencing extreme emotional distress
- Refresher on risk assessment and safety planning for those who may be at risk of self-harm
- Current information on available support services, both within organisations and externally
- Specific guidance on when and how to signpost individuals to professional support
- Updates on current mental health resources, helplines, and digital support tools
- Q&A session addressing participants' specific questions from their MHFA experiences
- Brief review of self-care strategies for Mental Health First Aiders
* ALGEE framework includes:
Approach the person, assess and assist with any crisis
Listen and communicate non-judgmentally
Give support and information
Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help
Encourage other supports
Delegate comments about the SMHFA Refresher course
“It has made me feel more confident in my role as a mental health first aider."
"The whole Refresher session in general was good and going over key points, especially a reminder of what to ask/do when dealing with someone in crisis."
"Informative, useful and engaging."
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Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.
We are always happy to talk about our courses and help you to work out the best match for your requirements.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
"The quality of the training has been fantastic and our employees are really engaging with the trainer and getting something out of it. Also In Equilibrium makes the whole process very easy to arrange."
"We wanted to provide a course that taught useful and practical coping strategies that our members could put into place straight away. In Equilibrium’s experience showed us that they could provide this, and they tailored the course perfectly."
"In-Equilibrium recently presented Mental Health Awareness to Managers in all of our area offices. The training was really well received and all of the trainers were praised for their in-depth knowledge and understanding."
"The training was very well received by staff who now all intend to implement the session’s practical tips and techniques into their existing roles. A large proportion of the staff rated the facilitator and their delivery as excellent and their only recommendation was for a further and longer session!"
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