Who it is for

This course is suitable for employees at every level, including:

• Managers and supervisors
• Team leaders
• HR and health and safety personnel
• Workplace wellbeing representatives
• Employees who may be a first point of contact for a colleague
• Organisations that want to build a more supportive mental health culture

No previous mental health training or qualifications are required.

What learners will gain

By the end of the course, learners should have a clearer understanding of:

• What mental health and mental ill health mean
• Factors that can affect a person’s mental wellbeing
• Common signs that someone may be struggling
• How to approach someone and begin a supportive conversation
• How to listen without judging or making assumptions
• The importance of confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
• How drugs and alcohol can affect mental health
• How to encourage someone to seek appropriate professional help
• Where to find reliable workplace and community support
• The role of managers, colleagues and workplace procedures
• How organisations can support a positive mental health culture
• The importance of looking after their own wellbeing when supporting others

Learners will work through practical examples and workplace scenarios throughout the day.

A clear and practical response framework

The course introduces learners to a straightforward process they can follow when they are concerned about someone:

1. Recognise that something may be wrong.
2. Approach the person at an appropriate time and place.
3. Begin a calm and supportive conversation.
4. Listen carefully and without judgement.
5. Encourage appropriate professional or workplace support.
6. Maintain suitable boundaries and follow workplace procedures.
7. Seek urgent assistance where there is an immediate safety concern.

The role of a trained employee is to provide initial support and signposting. It is not to diagnose, counsel or treat a mental health condition.

Duration and format

The course is delivered over one full day, providing approximately six hours of instructor-led training.

The programme combines instructor presentations, group discussion, workplace examples, practical conversation exercises, scenario-based activities, individual reflection and a short knowledge assessment.

The course can be delivered at your workplace anywhere in Ireland.

Assessment

Learners are assessed through participation during the course, a short practical scenario and a knowledge check.

The assessment is designed to confirm that learners understand the limits of their role and can respond to a possible mental health concern in a safe, supportive and appropriate way.

There is no external assessment.

UFAS certification

Learners who attend the full course and successfully complete the internal assessment receive a UFAS Workplace Mental Health Awareness and Support Certificate.

The UFAS certificate is valid for two years. Refresher training is recommended before the certificate expires, particularly where workplace procedures, support services or employee responsibilities have changed.

This is an internally certified UFAS programme.

On-site workplace training

Training can be delivered at your workplace, reducing employee travel and time away from work.

On-site delivery also allows the instructor to discuss examples that are relevant to your organisation, including:

• Existing employee-support procedures
• The role of managers and HR
• Employee assistance programmes
• Internal reporting and escalation procedures
• Relevant local and national support services

A suitable private training room is required so that learners can discuss sensitive subjects in an appropriate environment.

Course price

€600 for a private group of up to 12 learners.

This represents a practical and budget-friendly option for organisations that want meaningful one-day mental health training without the cost of registering every learner for an externally regulated qualification.

For larger teams, UFAS can arrange additional sessions or a multi-site training programme.