Module: Mental Health First Aid

 

Level: Intro / Easy Read
Audience: Students, carers, support workers, teachers, tutors

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Understand what Mental Health First Aid is

2. Recognize signs someone may need support

3. Use basic counselling skills (listening, reflecting, summarising)

4. Support someone safely if they are in distress

5. Know where to get professional help (UK, USA, Worldwide)

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Section 1 – What is Mental Health First Aid?

• Helping someone who is struggling with mental health until professional help is available

• It is not being a doctor

• Anyone can give Mental Health First Aid: students, carers, support workers, friends, family

• Focus is on listening, supporting, and keeping safe

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Section 2 – Signs Someone May Need Help

Look for:

• Feeling very sad, anxious, hopeless

• Talking about wanting to die or feeling trapped

• Mood swings, anger, irritability

• Changes in sleep, eating, or daily routine

• Avoiding people, activities, or responsibilities

• Using alcohol or drugs more than usual

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Section 3 – How to Support Safely

Step 1 – Approach

• Approach calmly and respectfully

• Introduce yourself if needed

• Check your own safety first

Step 2 – Listen

• Focus on the person

• Don’t interrupt or judge

• Ask open questions:

  • “How are you feeling?”

  • “Do you want to talk about it?”

Step 3 – Reassure & Support

• Let them know you care

• Encourage professional help

• Don’t force them to do something they’re not ready for

Step 4 – Assess Safety

• Ask safely if they have thoughts of self-harm

• Check if they have a plan, pills, or weapons

• Don’t leave them alone if they are at risk

• Get professional help immediately if in danger

Step 5 – Signpost Help

• Give helpline numbers

• Encourage them to contact professionals

• Follow up later to check on them

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Section 4 – Helpful Skills

• Attending: Focus fully on the person

• Active Listening: Show you hear them

• Reflecting/Paraphrasing: Repeat what you understand

• Summarising: Highlight main points

• Focusing: Stay on the problem

• Rapport Building: Be friendly and respectful

• Immediacy: Act if safety is a concern

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Section 5 – Where to Get Help

UK

• Samaritans: 116 123 / samaritans.org

• NHS Talking Therapies

• Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258

• SOBS – Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

• Cruse Bereavement Support

USA

• 988 Lifeline: Call or text 988 / 988lifeline.org

• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, press 1 / Text 838255

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

• Alliance of Hope

• Mental Health America (MHA)

Worldwide

• Befrienders Worldwide – befrienders.org

• International Suicide Hotlines – findahelpline.com

• IASP – International Association for Suicide Prevention

• Mind International Resources – multilingual info

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Section 6 – Quick Mental Health First Aid Checklist

✅ Approach safely
✅ Ask how they feel
✅ Listen without judging
✅ Check for self-harm or suicide risk
✅ Reassure and support
✅ Encourage professional help
✅ Share helpline numbers
✅ Follow up later

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Section 7 – Quiz / Activities (Easy Read)

1. Multiple Choice:

1. Mental Health First Aid means:
   a) Being a doctor
   b) Helping someone safely until professional help is available
   c) Fixing someone’s problems

2. Which is a warning sign someone may need help?
   a) Mood swings or irritability
   b) Smiling all the time
   c) Brushing their teeth

3. If someone is thinking of suicide, you should:
   a) Leave them alone
   b) Call emergency services and stay safe
   c) Tell them “Don’t be silly”

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2. Reflection / Role Play:

• Think of a time you or someone you know felt stressed. What would help them?

• Role play: practice listening and asking open questions.

• Write down helplines in your area to remember for later.

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3. Scenario Activity:

• A friend tells you they feel hopeless and think life is not worth living.

  • What do you do first?

  • How do you make sure they are safe?

  • Who could you contact for help?

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Section 8 – Key Messages

• Listening can help save lives

• Everyone’s feelings are valid

• Your own safety comes first

• Professional help is essential — don’t try to fix everything alone