Scotland's Mental Health First Aid

Skills That Save Lives
Turning compassion into confident action

What Is Mental Health First Aid?

Like traditional first aid, Mental Health First Aid equips people with skills to provide initial support until professional help is available or the crisis resolves. This proven programme teaches participants how to recognise early warning signs, offer timely support, and guide others towards professional help when needed.

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, at any time. Mental Health First Aid training ensures these moments aren't faced alone. This internationally recognised programme transforms good intentions into practical support skills, creating a network of confident first responders ready to help when it matters most.

What You'll Learn

The training focuses on practical, real-world skills that make a difference:

  • Recognising signs of mental health challenges
  • Approaching someone in distress
  • Listening without judgment
  • Providing initial support
  • Guiding towards professional help
  • Responding in crisis situations

Making a Difference

Mental Health First Aiders become vital community assets, ready to:

  • Spot early warning signs
  • Have supportive conversations
  • Guide people to professional help
  • Respond confidently in crisis
  • Share mental health awareness

Each trained First Aider creates ripples of positive change, sharing their knowledge with others and building more resilient communities.

The Impact

The moment someone reaches out for help is crucial. Having a trained Mental Health First Aider ready to respond can make all the difference. These skills don't just help in crisis moments - they create a more understanding, supportive community every day.

Building Stronger Communities

Every new Mental Health First Aider strengthens our community's ability to support mental wellbeing. Together, we're creating a Scotland where mental health support is as normal and accessible as physical first aid.

Scotlands Mental Health First Aid

Support Beyond Training

While Mental Health First Aid provides valuable skills, remember that professional help is always available when needed:

Emergency Services

NHS 24: 111
Police Scotland: 101 (Emergency: 999)
Social Work Emergency: 03457 565 656

Crisis Support

Samaritans: 116 123
SHOUT: Text 'SHOUT' to 85258
James Support Group: 07563 572471

Local Support

Mikeysline: Text 07786 207755 (Evenings)
Mind: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm)
Social Work: 01343 563999 (Office Hours)