Mental health challenges among children and young people are rising — and often hidden behind silence, stigma, or behaviour that is misunderstood. Whether at home, in school, in sports, or in community settings, young people need adults (and peers) who can recognise when something isn’t quite right and know how to offer safe, supportive help.
This qualification has been designed specifically with children and young people in mind, covering issues such as depression, self-harm, eating disorders and bullying. It gives you the structure, skills and confidence to notice concerns, open a caring conversation, and signpost a young person towards appropriate professional support.
This is not about diagnosing or treating mental health conditions — it’s about becoming a trusted, safe and informed person in a young person’s world.
What you’ll learn
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Recognise a range of mental health conditions affecting children and young people
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Understand issues such as depression, self-harm, eating disorders and bullying
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Identify signs of stress and emotional distress in young people
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Start safe, supportive, non-judgemental conversations
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Offer reassurance and compassionate support in the moment
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Know when and how to signpost a young person to professional help
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Apply the First Aid Action Plan for Mental Health
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Build confidence in responding appropriately and sensitively to youth mental health concerns
This qualification is regulated and awarded by First Aid Awards (FAA), fully accredited and aligned with recognised UK frameworks.
Who this course is for
This course is ideal for:
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Parents, carers and guardians
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Teachers, school staff and pastoral teams
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Youth group leaders and volunteers
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Sports coaches, club organisers and swim teachers
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Young adults who engage with younger peers
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Anyone who actively connects with children or young people
A valuable and reassuring qualification for anyone supporting young people’s wellbeing.
Why it matters
Children and young people often struggle to speak up — even when they desperately need help.
By completing this qualification, you become someone who:
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Notices changes and early warning signs
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Responds calmly and confidently
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Offers a safe space for conversation
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Uses a structured first aid approach
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Helps young people access the right support sooner
Your understanding can make a genuine difference in a young person’s future.
What it does not do
You will not diagnose or treat any mental health condition — this remains the role of healthcare professionals.
This course equips you to provide awareness, early support, safe responses, and guidance toward appropriate help.
FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Youth Mental Health
Theory online:
Dates and times to be confirmed
24th January 2026
10am - 4.30pm on zoom.
Tutor:
Helen Bull – The Swimming Unicorn
Assessment on this qualification includes:
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Meeting the required contact hours by attending all scheduled sessions
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Participation in course activities and assessed knowledge tasks
To access this course you will need:
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A computer, laptop, tablet or phone with a functioning microphone and camera to join the live Zoom sessions
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A device and a Gmail account to access Google Classroom for pre-course paperwork and communication
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Pen, paper or notepad as needed
If you need to discuss access to learning or reasonable adjustments, please contact lynn@theswimsurgery.co.uk. We are here to support you before, during and after your course.
Pre-requisites
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Learners must be at least 14 years old
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It is recommended that learners hold a minimum of Level 1 literacy (or equivalent)
Questions or queries?
Email our Course Administration Manager: helen@theswimsurgery.co.uk
Payment plans
Payment plans are not available for this course.
However, you may reserve a place with a non-returnable deposit and pay the remaining balance before the course begins.
To arrange this, please contact jeremy@theswimsurgery.co.uk