Group counselling session

Stress Awareness (Mental Health Pathway) - Level 1

Summary

Do you want to better understand stress and how it affects your health and wellbeing? This course is an ideal starting point for anyone looking to explore the causes, symptoms, and impact of stress in everyday life.

This short, accessible course introduces learners to the nature of stress, its physical and emotional effects, and practical strategies for managing it. You’ll learn to recognise the signs of stress, understand its impact on health, and explore ways to reduce or prevent it. Whether you're seeking personal insight or aiming to support others, this qualification provides a valuable foundation for further study or development in health, care, or wellbeing-focused roles.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
20 Oct 2026
Bickerstaffe House
2 Days
16 Mar 2027
Bickerstaffe House
2 Days
A woman engages with children in a supportive circle, fostering interaction and connection.

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Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This course is a valuable introduction for anyone looking to understand the impact of stress and how to manage it effectively. While this course does not lead directly to employment, it provides a strong foundation for further study and personal development, especially in roles where wellbeing and emotional resilience are key.

Completing this Level 1 Award can lead to further qualifications and open doors to roles in health and social care, education, community support, and wellbeing services. It’s an ideal first step for those considering a career in support work, wellbeing advocacy, or health promotion.

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Mental Health Pathway, which includes the following courses.

MENTAL HEALTH PATHWAY

Next steps at B&FC

Having completed this course, students can progress to a range of qualifications offered by Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) as part of the Mental Health Pathway (as listed opposite). This pathway is designed to support learners in building a deeper understanding of mental health and preparing for roles in support, advocacy, and care.

These qualifications offer clear progression routes and can lead to advanced study and specialised roles. Learners who complete the full pathway may also progress to higher-level programmes such as the Foundation Degree in Mental Health, opening doors to professional careers in mental health support, wellbeing services, and community care.alth support, wellbeing services, and community care.

Employment Opportunities

The Level 1 Award in Stress Awareness provides a valuable foundation for entry-level roles and volunteer opportunities where understanding and managing stress is important. It demonstrates your commitment to promoting wellbeing and emotional resilience in both personal and professional settings.

Potential job titles or roles learners may consider include:

Volunteer Support Worker | Community Engagement Assistant | Wellbeing Champion (in workplace or education settings) | Customer Service Assistant (with a focus on wellbeing) | Peer Support Volunteer | Youth Club Assistant | Care Assistant (entry-level, with further training)

These roles are commonly found in community organisations, schools, charities, care environments, and public-facing services. This qualification can also enhance your employability in roles where stress awareness and emotional wellbeing are increasingly valued.

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. 

 

Qualification obtained

Award in Stress Awareness

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?

Introduction to stress and stress management - You will explore what stress is, its causes, and how it can affect people in different ways. The course also introduces practical strategies for managing stress and highlights when and how to seek specialist support if needed.

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.