Understanding Mental Health
Course aims
These qualifications will help you to increase your awareness and understanding of mental health issues. They introduce key areas surrounding mental health, provide insight into the challenges faced by people with mental health issues and develop the skills required to progress into employment in the sector.
What could these courses lead to?
These could be helpful qualifications when working in schools or health care settings. Careers could lead to further education courses before working as a Mental Health Counsellor, in Psychology or Psychiatry, Social Work and Nursing.
In 2019-2020, the average salary was £22,540.
Course details
Understanding Mental Health - BAES
Course length
18 hours – usually 6 weekly sessions of 3 hours
Learners will spend the first 2 weeks completing a free separate short course (6 hours) in preparing for placement. This will allow learners to gain essential skills and to provide an overview of what to expect when working in schools. Successful learners then progress to. the main course.
Who is this course for?
This course is for those who would like to develop their own understanding of mental health.
Entry requirements
You must have English skills at level 1 or above.
Course content
You will learn about:
- The issues surrounding mental health
- The rights of people with mental health issues
- An insight into various stereotypes and misconceptions of those suffering from their mental health
- enrichment activities
Will I gain any qualifications?
You will complete a workbook with the support of the tutor and achieve a BAES certificate.
Working in Mental Health - Level 2 Certificate
Course length
87 hours – usually 29 weekly sessions of 3 hours.
Who is this course for? This qualification is aimed at developing learners’ understanding of a range of mental health issues, which could prove valuable for interactions within and outside the workplace.
Entry requirements You need to demonstrate English written and spoken is at level 2.
You must have completed the BAES Understanding Mental Health course.
Course content
You will learn about:
- a range of mental health issues
- the problems that can cause mental ill-health
- how various mental health issues can impact on the sufferer.
- enrichment activities
- voluntary placement
Will I gain any qualifications?
You will gain an NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems.
Understanding Mental Health - Level 3 Certificate
Course length
105 – usually 35 weekly sessions of 3 hours.
Who is this course for?
This qualification is for learners who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of mental health and mental wellbeing. Successful completion of the units required will allow the learner to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of mental health. It will also support progression into relevant employment within the health and social care sector.
Entry requirements
Learners must already hold a Level 2 mental health qualification or qualifications in health care or social care contexts. You must have English at level 2 or GCSE grade 9-4 and Maths at Level 1 or above.
Course content
You will learn about:
- mental health legislation, services and public attitudes, and how these have evolved
- how to support mental wellbeing through various stages of life
- available mental ill-health treatment options and the potential consequences of mental ill-health
- the skills required to work in a mental health service.
- enrichment activities
- voluntary placement
Will I gain any qualifications?
You will gain an NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health.
How will I learn?
You will be taught and supported by a tutor. You will be expected to attend your group once a week and take part in group and paired activities and discussions. You will build a portfolio of evidence and complete specific tasks with the guidance of your tutor. A substantial amount of independent study and research is required.
Your commitment as a learner
To achieve success on the course you will need to attend regularly and on time. If you need to miss a class, please let us know in advance.
You will need to ensure that you allow sufficient time for self-study and complete any homework set. You will be expected to complete all assessments and complete the full course.
Interview and Initial Assessment
You will need to complete a written assessment and undertake a one to one discussion prior to enrolling onto a course. This is mandatory for all learners. Call our Information Line on 0121 303 4318 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make an appointment.
