Youth Mental Health First Aid Training For Schools

Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training gives school staff the confidence to recognise early signs of poor mental health, have supportive conversations, and respond in a safe, appropriate way.

At Inclusive Minds Network, training is delivered with a calm, practical approach, helping staff feel prepared without feeling overwhelmed.

More children and young people are experiencing mental health challenges — and school staff are often the first to notice when something isn’t quite right.

But many staff feel unsure:

• What should I say? 
• How far is my role? 
• What if I get it wrong? 

This training helps answer those questions in a way that feels manageable and grounded in real school life.

Youth MHFA provides a structured, evidence-based framework to help staff:

• Understand common mental health challenges in young people 
• Spot early warning signs 
• Respond to crisis situations 
• Have open, supportive conversations 
• Signpost and support within safeguarding frameworks

Training can be tailored to suit your setting and staff availability:

• Full qualification 
• Delivered face-to-face or online 
• Ideal for key staff (DSLs, pastoral leads, SENCOs) 

• Delivered across shorter sessions (e.g. mornings) 
• Supports staff workload and availability 

• For staff who have already completed the full course 
• Reinforces learning and confidence 

This training is not about turning staff into therapists.

It’s about helping them to:

• Notice when something isn’t right 
• Feel confident starting a conversation 
• Understand their role and boundaries 
• Know how to respond safely and appropriately 

Creating a shared language across your staff team can make a significant difference to how young people are supported day-to-day.

•  Teachers and teaching staff 
• Safeguarding leads (DSLs / DDSLs) 
• Pastoral and wellbeing teams 
• Senior leaders 
• Support staff working with young people

Training is available in school across Brighton & Hove, Sussex, Kent & London and online for schools and trusts across the UK

 “I feel much more confident talking with students now.”
“This should be essential training for all school staff.” 

If you're exploring how to support staff confidence and student wellbeing, I’d be happy to talk through what might work best for your setting.

Whether you're looking to train a small group of staff or take a wider, whole-school approach, we can find an option that fits. 

👉 Get in touch to discuss your school or Trust
👉 Join an upcoming webinar to find out more

 Already completed Youth MHFA?
👉 View refresher options