Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace (Mental Health Pathway) - Level 2
Summary
Do you want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of colleagues experiencing mental health challenges? This qualification equips you with the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate, person-centred support. From understanding various mental health conditions and the importance of early intervention to enhancing communication and promoting a culture of care, this course prepares you to deliver high-quality mental health first aid and advocacy in the workplace.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
08 Sep 2026
|
Bickerstaffe House
|
10 Weeks
|
Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
This course is an excellent qualification for those aspiring to support colleagues and promote mental well-being in the workplace. This qualification is part of a comprehensive pathway designed to prepare individuals for a rewarding role in mental health support and advocacy.
Completing this course can lead to advanced qualifications and specialised roles, enhancing employability and providing opportunities for career progression in the sector.
This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Mental Health Pathway, which includes the following courses.
MENTAL HEALTH PATHWAY
- Mental Health Awareness (Mental Health Pathway) - Level 1
- Alcohol Awareness (Mental Health Pathway) - Level 1
- Stress Awareness (Mental Health Pathway) - Level 1
- Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (Working in Early Years) - Level 2
- Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health (Early Years Pathway) - Level 2
Next steps at B&FC
Having successfully completed all the programmes listed in the Mental Health Pathway, students are in an ideal position to progress to higher-level study and can explore qualification which could lead to more specialist roles. At B&FC, we offer the following degree-level qualifications in this sector:
Employment Opportunities
Upon successful completion of this course, students can apply for various roles within the health and social care sector, including:
Mental Health Support Worker | Mental Health First Aid Trainer | Health Care Assistant | Community Support Worker | Mental Health Advocate | Residential Care Worker | Activities Coordinator | Peer Support Worker
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
Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the WorkplaceFees 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 qualification is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The mandatory units cover a range of important topics:
Exploring mental health - This unit will introduce learners to different types of mental ill health. They will understand factors that may contribute to mental ill health and actions that can be taken.
Understand how to support individuals with mental ill health - The aim of this unit is to understand how to support individuals with mental ill health. Learners will understand their responsibilities and how to protect their own mental health.
Understand a mentally healthy environment - Learners will know about relevant legislation. They will understand mentally healthy environments and wellness action plans.
These modules are designed to equip you with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to provide high-quality support and advocacy for individuals with mental health needs.
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?
The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. This flexible approach ensures that students can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs.
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.
These varied teaching methods ensure a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience.
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 the 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.