ERSION 1 — FULL EASY READ TRAINING MODULE
🧠 Learning Disability & Mental Health
Communication and Emotional Wellbeing
🔰 Introduction
People may find it hard to communicate in many situations, including at work, school, or in health settings.
Some people with a learning disability also experience mental health difficulties. However:
❗ You do not need to have a learning disability to have mental ill health.
❗ Learning disability and mental health are not the same thing.
🧠 What is Mental Health?
Mental health is about:
How we think
How we feel
How we behave
Good mental health means:
Coping with everyday life
Handling stress
Feeling okay most of the time
Poor mental health may include:
Anxiety
Depression
Feeling low, worried, or overwhelmed
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling tired or emotionally drained
🌍 What Affects Mental Health?
Mental health can be affected by:
Childhood experiences
Family life
Trauma or abuse
School or work
Relationships
Mental health changes over time and is different for everyone.
🗣️ Communication & Mental Health
Clear communication is very important.
Good practice:
Use simple language
Give time to understand
Avoid confusing or rushed information
Use “you could try” instead of “you must”
People may:
Misunderstand information
Need things explained more than once
Need support to express feelings
❤️ Emotional Wellbeing
Emotional wellbeing means:
Understanding your feelings
Coping with emotions
Feeling safe and supported
People may:
Cry more
Feel angry or anxious
Struggle with routine or change
🤝 Supporting Others
Good support includes:
Listening without judgement
Being patient and calm
Giving choices
Respecting independence
Supporting at their pace
⚠️ Stigma & Discrimination
Stigma means negative attitudes towards mental health.
❗ Stigma can make things worse
❗ It can stop people asking for help
We must:
Be kind
Be respectful
Challenge stigma
🛑 Professional Boundaries
When supporting others:
Know your role
Ask for help if unsure
Report concerns to a supervisor
Keep yourself and others safe
🧠 Key Reminder
Mental health and learning disability are different
Everyone can experience mental health difficulties
Support, respect, and understanding are essential
🌟 VERSION 2 — EASY READ LEARNER VERSION
🧠 Mental Health & Communication
🔰 Introduction
Some people find it hard to talk or understand information.
Some people with a learning disability also have mental health problems.
❗ They are not the same thing.
🧠 Mental Health
Mental health is how we:
Think
Feel
Act
Good mental health = coping well
Poor mental health = feeling upset, worried, or tired
🌍 What Affects Mental Health?
Family
School
Work
Life experiences
🗣️ Communication
Good communication means:
✅ Simple words
✅ Time to understand
✅ Clear messages
✅ No rushing
Say:
👉 “You could try this”
Not:
👉 “You must do this”
❤️ Feelings
People may:
Feel sad
Feel angry
Cry a lot
Find change hard
🤝 Helping Others
You should:
✅ Listen
✅ Be kind
✅ Be patient
✅ Let people choose
⚠️ Stigma
Stigma is when people are unkind about mental health.
❗ This is wrong
We should:
Be respectful
Be supportive
🌟 VERSION 3 — TRAINING + WORKBOOK + REFLECTION
🧠 Learning Disability & Mental Health
Communication & Emotional Wellbeing
🔰 Understanding the Difference
☐ I understand learning disability and mental health are different
☐ I understand people can have both
☐ I understand mental health affects everyone
🧠 Mental Health Awareness
☐ I understand what mental health means
☐ I can recognise anxiety and depression
☐ I understand mental health changes over time
🌍 Factors Affecting Mental Health
☐ I understand life events can affect mental health
☐ I understand trauma and stress can impact wellbeing
☐ I recognise everyone is different
🗣️ Communication Skills
☐ I use clear and simple language
☐ I give people time to respond
☐ I avoid confusing instructions
☐ I use supportive language
❤️ Emotional Wellbeing
☐ I understand emotional wellbeing
☐ I recognise emotional distress
☐ I support people at their pace
🤝 Supporting People
☐ I listen without judgement
☐ I offer choices
☐ I respect independence
☐ I stay calm and patient
⚠️ Stigma & Attitudes
☐ I understand what stigma is
☐ I challenge negative attitudes
☐ I promote respect and inclusion
🛑 Professional Practice
☐ I understand my role
☐ I ask for help when needed
☐ I report concerns appropriately
☐ I keep safety in mind
📝 Reflection
What have you learned?
How will you use this in your work?
💡 Supporting Notes (Evidence-Based Concepts)
This module reflects principles from:
Person-centred support
Trauma-informed care
Clear communication strategies
Safeguarding and professional boundaries
It aligns with best practice guidance from organisations such as:
National Health Service
Mencap
Samaritans
🌟 If you want next
I can now:
✅ Build Level 2, 3, 4 progression versions
✅ Add visual Easy Read symbols and icons
✅ VERSION 1 – FULL STANDARD TEXT (Training / Book)
🧠 What Is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based approach that teaches people how to recognise, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges.
It is similar to physical first aid, but focuses on mental health. It helps people provide initial support until professional help is available.
MHFA is designed for everyone—not just professionals. It can be used by:
Teachers
Employers
Family members
Friends
First responders
Community members
MHFA does not train people to diagnose conditions or act as therapists. Instead, it focuses on:
Early support
Listening skills
Reducing stigma
Guiding people toward help
⚖️ Mental Health First Aid vs Counselling
MHFA and counselling are different but complementary:
Mental Health First Aid:
Short-term support
Focus on immediate help
Used by anyone (trained or not)
Helps guide someone to professional support
Counselling / Therapy:
Provided by trained professionals
Longer-term support
Focus on deeper emotional work and treatment
Uses structured therapeutic techniques
MHFA is not a replacement for counselling—it is the first step in supporting someone.
🧩 The 5 Steps of Mental Health First Aid (ALGEE)
MHFA uses a simple action plan called ALGEE:
A – Approach and Assess for Risk
Check if the person is safe
Look for signs of self-harm or suicide risk
If there is immediate danger, seek urgent help
L – Listen Non-Judgmentally
Give the person time to talk
Do not interrupt or judge
Show empathy and understanding
G – Give Reassurance and Information
Let the person know they are not alone
Reassure them that help is available
Avoid giving false promises
E – Encourage Professional Help
Suggest speaking to a doctor, counsellor, or support service
Help them find resources if needed
E – Encourage Self-Help and Support
Suggest coping strategies
Encourage support from friends, family, or groups
⚠️ Suicide Awareness and Support
Mental Health First Aid includes recognising when someone may be at risk.
Warning signs may include:
Talking about feeling hopeless
Withdrawal from others
Changes in behaviour
Talking about death or wanting to disappear
If you are concerned:
Stay calm
Listen carefully
Ask directly (if appropriate) about how they are feeling
Encourage professional help
Do not leave them alone if there is immediate risk
Contact emergency services if needed
👉 Supporting someone does not mean handling it alone.
🧠 Key Principles
You do not need to be a professional to help
You can make a difference by listening and caring
You should always stay within your limits
Professional help is essential when needed
👉 It’s okay to say it’s not okay
👉 Ask for help when you need it
🌍 Helpful Organisations
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health America
World Health Organization
✅ VERSION 2 – EASY READ (Level 1–2)
🧠 Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid means helping someone with their mental health.
It is like physical first aid.
👥 Who Can Help?
Anyone can help:
Friends
Family
Teachers
Workers
You do not need to be a professional.
🧩 5 Steps (ALGEE)
A – Check Safety
Is the person safe?
L – Listen
Let them talk
Do not judge
G – Reassure
Say they are not alone
Help is available
E – Encourage Help
Talk to a doctor or support service
E – Encourage Support
Talk to friends or family
Try coping strategies
⚠️ Important
You cannot fix everything
Do not do too much
Ask for help if needed
❤️ Remember
👉 It’s okay to say it’s not okay
✅ VERSION 3 – POWERPOINT SLIDES
Slide 1 – Title
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Slide 2 – What Is MHFA?
First support for mental health
Like physical first aid
Not counselling
Slide 3 – Who Can Use It?
Anyone
Friends
Family
Workplaces
Slide 4 – ALGEE Steps
A – Approach and assess risk
L – Listen
G – Give reassurance
E – Encourage help
E – Encourage support
Slide 5 – Suicide Awareness
Warning signs
Listen
Encourage help
Seek urgent support if needed
Slide 6 – MHFA vs Counselling
MHFA = short-term support
Counselling = professional help
Both are important
Slide 7 – Key Message
👉 It’s okay to say it’s not okay
Slide 8 – Final Message
You can help
You are not alone
Support is available
✅ VERSION 4 – POSTER / QUICK GUIDE
🧠 Mental Health First Aid
You can help someone.
🧩 5 Steps (ALGEE)
A – Check safety
L – Listen
G – Reassure
E – Encourage help
E – Encourage support
⚠️ Remember
Do not do too much
Ask for help
Use professionals when needed
❤️ Important Message
👉 It’s okay to say it’s not okay
🌍 Help Is Available
Mental Health First Aid
National Alliance on Mental Illness
VERSION 1 – FULL STANDARD (BOOK / TRAINING TEXT)
Mental Health and Mental Illness
Mental health is something everyone has. It refers to how we think, feel, and cope with everyday life. Mental health can change over time, depending on life experiences, stress, and support.
Mental illness is different. It is a diagnosed condition that affects a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviour, and relationships. Examples include depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
Although different, mental health and mental illness are closely connected. Everyone has mental health, and mental illness exists on a spectrum. A person can have a mental illness and still experience periods of good mental health, especially with the right support.
Mental Health as a Positive State
Good mental health may include:
Feeling balanced and able to cope with life
Making healthy choices such as eating well, sleeping, and staying active
Having supportive relationships and meaningful activities
Mental Health as Fluctuating
Mental health is not fixed. People may experience:
Emotional highs and lows
Stress, grief, or life changes such as loss, illness, or job issues
Periods of feeling unlike themselves
These experiences are part of normal life.
Mental Illness and Functioning
Mental illness can affect daily functioning. A person may:
Feel overwhelmed or persistently distressed
Struggle with work, relationships, or self-care
Use unhelpful coping strategies such as withdrawal or substance use
Mental illness can develop due to trauma, stress, genetics, or sometimes without a clear cause.
Mental Health Continuum
Mental health exists on a continuum:
Good mental health at one end
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