Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aiders develop the skills to spot the signs of a young person experiencing poor mental health, gain the confidence to start a conversation (first aid) and offer support early on.
This two-day course provides an in-depth understanding of specific mental health issues and is delivered in four manageable chunks:
- What is mental health?
- Depression and anxiety
- Suicide and psychosis
- Self-harm and eating disorders
It focuses on the issues faced by young people today, such as cyberbullying and substance misuse, and teaches how to promote protective factors and good parenting. Completing the two-day course qualifies you as a Youth Mental Health First Aider.
Training Offer
As part of the Resilient Schools Universal Programme, we are pleased to offer FREE 2-day Youth Mental Health First Aid training to all schools in Barnet. Training is delivered face-to-face at a local venue. The course is accredited by MHFA England.
The following training dates are available for the 2025-26 academic year:
- Tuesday 7th & Tuesday 14th October 2025 - Location, TBC
- Tuesday 3rd & Wednesday 11th February 2026 - Location TBC
To book your place, email kevin@bdld.org.uk from Big Dog Little Dog, who will deliver the sessions.
We ask that only 1 member of staff per school register for the training however if a school volunteers hosts the training, you can book 2 members from your school.
For further information, email natasha.joseph@barnet.gov.uk.
Free CPD for Mental Health First Aiders
In the 25/26 academic year, the Resilient Schools Programme will be launching a new FREE half-day online refresher course and CPD offer for Barnet CYP professionals who have undertaken the Youth Mental Health First Aid training within the last 3 years.
This will renew your YMHFA certification for another 3 years and give you access to the NEW Mental Health First Aider app.
The following training dates are available for the 2025-26 academic year from 9.30am to 1.30pm:
- Wednesday 15th October 2025
- Wednesday 21st January 2026
- Friday 6th March 2026
- Tuesday 21st April 2026
To book your place, email kevin@bdld.org.uk from Big Dog Little Dog, who will deliver the sessions.
Launch of our YMHFA Community of Practice
Our offer now includes exclusive access to our NEW Community of Practice, designed to support professionals working with CYP.
What you’ll gain:
- Termly webinars on emerging challenges and key topics on youth mental health chosen by you through regular voting
- Peer support & networking: Connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences and learn from each other
- Resource sharing: Access to tools, guidance and best practices
- Ongoing learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments and approaches
Save the date to attend our online lunchtime webinars at 1pm:
- Tuesday 21st October - Official Launch for the YMHFA Community of Practice
- Tuesday 11th November
- Tuesday 10th February
- Friday 15th May
School Resources
- Boing Boing Depression a schools mental health guide
- Youth mental health aware
- Mental health first aid