Mental Health Pathway
Summary
Are you passionate about promoting mental wellbeing and supporting others through life’s challenges? The Mental Health Pathway at Blackpool and The Fylde College offers a series of nationally recognised qualifications designed to help you build essential knowledge and confidence in understanding mental health. Whether you're exploring the subject for personal insight or preparing for a career in support services, this pathway provides a flexible and accessible route into the sector.
This pathway is designed as a progressive programme made up of several courses. You will advance through each of the following qualifications that build upon each other to develop your knowledge, skills and experience, with each level of learning preparing you for the next.
- Alcohol Awareness (Mental Health Pathway) - Level 1
- Mental Health Awareness (Mental Health Pathway) - Level 1
- Stress Awareness (Mental Health Pathway) - Level 1
- Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (Working in Early Years) - Level 2
- Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace (Mental Health Pathway) - Level 2
- Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health (Early Years Pathway) - Level 2
Through engaging, tutor-led sessions, you’ll explore key topics such as mental health awareness, stress and alcohol-related issues, workplace wellbeing, and advocacy. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of common mental health conditions, the impact on individuals and communities, and practical strategies for support. The pathway equips you with the tools to challenge stigma, promote positive mental health, and prepare for roles in care, education, and community services.
Next course dates
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Anytime
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Bickerstaffe House
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Anytime
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Bickerstaffe House
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Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The Mental Health Pathway is an ideal starting point for those aspiring to work in roles where mental health awareness, advocacy, and support are essential. It provides foundational and progressive knowledge that is valued across health and social care, education, community outreach, and wellbeing services.
Completing this pathway can lead to employment in roles such as Mental Health Support Worker, Community Engagement Assistant, Wellbeing Champion, Peer Support Volunteer, and Care Assistant. It also supports progression to higher-level study, including the Foundation Degree in Mental Health, helping learners build a long-term career in mental health support, advocacy, and care.
Next steps at B&FC
Having successfully completed the Mental Health Pathway, students can progress to further qualifications offered by Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) to continue developing their knowledge and skills in mental health support, advocacy, and wellbeing.
MENTAL HEALTH PATHWAY
- Understanding Mental Health (Working in Mental Health) - Level 3
- Mental Health and Resilience - Foundation Degree
These progression routes offer opportunities to deepen your understanding, develop specialist skills, and prepare for employment or further study in health and social care, counselling, or wellbeing services.
Employment Opportunities
On completing the Mental Health Pathway, students can pursue a variety of entry-level and progression roles across the health and social care, education, and community support sectors. These qualifications demonstrate your ability to understand and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges with empathy, professionalism, and informed care.
Potential job titles include:
Mental Health Support Worker | Community Engagement Assistant | Wellbeing Champion (in workplace or education settings) | Peer Support Volunteer | Youth Club Assistant | Customer Service Assistant (with a focus on wellbeing) | Care Assistant (entry-level, with further training) | Mental Health Advocate | Activities Coordinator | Recovery Worker
These roles are commonly found in care homes, schools, charities, supported living environments, and public-facing organisations. The pathway provides a strong foundation for making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities.
Key information
Entry Requirements
Technical Entry Requirements:
- Age: 19 years or over (19+)
Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:
- DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is not required for enrolment on this course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment or voluntary work involving vulnerable adults. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider.
- English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.
These entry requirements ensure that learners are prepared to engage fully with the course and are aware of the expectations for future progression or employment in mental health and care-related roles.
Fees and funding
Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.
To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.
Extra costs and equipment
There are no additional costs associated with this course.
What will I learn?
This pathway is made up of six nationally recognised qualifications that build your understanding of mental health and wellbeing across a range of contexts:
NCFE Level 1 Award in Mental Health Awareness – Explore key concepts around mental health, common conditions, stigma, and early intervention.
NCFE Level 1 Award in Alcohol Awareness – Understand the effects of alcohol on physical and mental health, and its wider social impact.
NCFE Level 1 Award in Stress Awareness – Learn about the causes and symptoms of stress and practical strategies for managing it.
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace – Gain insight into mental health advocacy, first aid, and creating mentally healthy environments.
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health Awareness – Examine a range of mental health conditions and how to support individuals with empathy and professionalism.
NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health – Deepen your knowledge of mental health legislation, service provision, and the skills needed to work effectively in the sector.
Each qualification is delivered through interactive, tutor-led sessions and supported by practical activities such as case studies, group work, and scenario-based learning. The pathway provides a strong foundation for working in mental health support and advocacy, and supports progression into advanced roles or further study.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
There is no mandatory work placement required for this course, making it accessible to learners who may not currently be working or volunteering in a care setting. However, gaining voluntary or part-time experience in a relevant environment—such as a community support service, school, or care organisation—can significantly enhance your understanding and employability.
At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich your learning experience through guest speakers and employer engagement events. These sessions feature professionals from across the mental health and care sectors, including representatives from local NHS services, mental health charities, and community outreach programmes.
These guest lectures and live discussions provide valuable insights into real-world practice, current challenges in mental health support, and emerging trends in the sector. They also offer opportunities to ask questions, build connections, and gain a clearer understanding of the diverse career paths available in mental health and wellbeing.
How will I learn?
Our courses are delivered through face-to-face teaching, providing a supportive and engaging classroom environment. Teaching takes place in dedicated learning spaces where you’ll benefit from interactive, tutor-led sessions that encourage discussion, collaboration, and active participation.
The programme focuses on developing your theoretical knowledge, supported by practical, hands-on activities that help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios in children’s social care. These activities may include role plays, group projects, case studies, and scenario-based learning—all designed to build your confidence and prepare you for the workplace.
Teaching methods include:
Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage student participation and discussion.
Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.
Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where students can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.
This flexible yet structured approach ensures you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the sector. Tutors are experienced professionals who bring real-life insights into the classroom, helping you connect theory to practice every step of the way.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.
Assessment Methods:
- Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
- Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations related to childhood illnesses, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate care and support.
Grading:
- The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
- The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.