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Course overview
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace is a practical mental health first aid course built for anyone who wants to support colleagues experiencing mental ill health. You will learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health difficulties, provide appropriate initial support, and understand what makes a genuinely mentally healthy workplace environment.
It suits employees, managers, HR professionals and anyone in a people facing role who wants to become a confident mental health advocate at work. It is a knowledge only qualification, so there is no work placement required, and everything is studied and assessed online.
Who this course is for
- Employees who want to support mental wellbeing in the workplace
- Managers, supervisors and HR professionals
- Anyone working in a customer facing or people support role
- Anyone interested in promoting positive mental health at work
- Anyone wanting to build knowledge of mental health first aid and advocacy
What you will learn
You will explore the concept of mental health and mental ill health, and the factors that can contribute to mental health problems. The course builds your ability to recognise signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide initial support to someone in distress, grounded in the core principles of mental health first aid. You will also learn how organisations can create a mentally healthy environment and why promoting positive mental wellbeing benefits both people and productivity.
Course units
This qualification is made up of 3 mandatory units. You will need to complete all of them to achieve the certificate.
- Exploring mental health
- Understand how to support individuals with mental ill health
- Understand a mentally healthy environment
Duration and study format
| Awarding organisation | NCFE CACHE, Ofqual regulated |
|---|---|
| Study format | 100% online, self paced, through our secure e-portfolio platform |
| Course access | Up to 6 months from enrolment |
| Guided learning hours | 120 hours |
| Total qualification time | 135 hours |
| Credit value | 13 credits |
| Entry requirements | Minimum age 16, no prior qualifications needed |
How you are assessed
You will build a portfolio of written evidence against each unit's learning outcomes. A qualified assessor reviews your work and gives feedback within 7 days of submission, with internal quality assurance keeping every decision fair and consistent. Work is graded achieved or not yet achieved, so there is no exam, just steady progress against an agreed submission schedule.
Where this course can take you
This certificate builds naturally into further mental health, wellbeing and social care study, and supports progression into:
- Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems
- Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity
- Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice and Guidance
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working with People with Mental Health Needs
- Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health
- Level 2 or Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
- Level 3 Award in Counselling Skills and Theory
- Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills
It also supports roles such as mental health advocate, wellbeing champion, HR or workplace wellbeing lead, support worker, and team leaders with wellbeing responsibilities, and is valuable CPD across business, HR, customer service, education and health and social care.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a background in HR or mental health to start this course?
No. This mental health first aid course is designed for anyone, whatever their current role, and there are no entry requirements beyond being 16 or over.
Does this qualify me to become my workplace's official mental health first aider?
This course builds the knowledge and understanding behind mental health first aid and workplace advocacy. Check with your employer whether they require a specific accredited title alongside this qualification for a formal first aider role.
Will I need to complete a work placement?
No. This is a knowledge only qualification studied entirely online, so there is no requirement for a work placement or real work environment.
How long do I have to complete the course?
You have up to 6 months of access and study at your own pace, with an agreed submission schedule to help keep you on track.
What support will I get while studying?
You will have remote tutor support throughout the course, feedback from a qualified assessor within 7 days of each submission, and ongoing pastoral support.
Is this qualification nationally recognised?
Yes. It is an NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate regulated by Ofqual, so it carries the same national recognition as other regulated qualifications at this level.
This NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate gives you the knowledge to recognise signs of mental ill-health and provide initial support to colleagues. Learn about mental health first aid, creating a mentally healthy workplace, and how to advocate for positive wellbeing at work. Perfect for managers, HR professionals, wellbeing champions, or anyone who wants to make a difference. No workplace placement required.
📘 NCFE CACHE Level 2 | Ofqual-regulated
📍 100% online | Self-paced | Up to 6 months access
📍 13 credits | 120 guided learning hours
📍 No prior qualifications needed | Minimum age 16
