All courses form part of a rolling programme with new dates being released on a regular basis.
Training places can fill up quickly so we may have to restrict the number of places offered to each organisation per course.
Mental health first aid courses, which qualify you as a mental health first aider, include skills and knowledge similar to that covered by the mental health awareness training course, as well as further in-depth learning. There's no need to attend the mental health awareness course if you've already qualified as a mental health first aider.
Many parts of the core content of the adult and youth mental health first aid courses are similar and in high demand so we now only offer a place on either the adult or the youth course. Please choose the course which is most relevant to you.
Which course is right for you?
Mental health awareness is for staff and volunteers in public-facing roles that would benefit from general mental health awareness or require an introduction to the topic of mental health.
Mental health first aid adult is for staff and volunteers who are likely to be in contact with vulnerable adults.
Mental health first aid youth is for staff and volunteers who are likely to be in contact with vulnerable young people.
Mental health first aid refresher is for people who have completed an adult or youth mental health first aid course more than 3 years ago.
Suicide awareness and managing mental health conversations is for staff and volunteers who would benefit from suicide awareness and building confidence in speaking with people in emotional distress.
Suicide bereavement training is for people who may come into contact with people bereaved by suicide.
Quality conversations are for staff and volunteers who would like to develop more confidence for everyday conversations with people around mental health.
Who can attend our mental health training for free
All the training courses are free:
- for staff and volunteers from statutory, community or voluntary sector organisations, providing that a core part of the individual's role is working with people in Derbyshire (not Derby)
- if you're from a Derbyshire (not Derby) based commercial organisation that has been offered training as part of our 'mental health and suicide prevention outreach and network project'
For courses taking place between April 2025 and March 2026, staff from commercial organisations based in the area covered by Derbyshire County Council that are not part of the mental health and suicide prevention outreach and network project can also access free training places (until stated otherwise) on the following courses:
- mental health awareness
- suicide awareness and managing mental health conversations
- mental health first aid
The number of course places per organisation may be restricted.
Free mental health training is also available (subject to criteria) from Derby City Council.
How to book a free place
To book a free place please follow the instructions outlined for each course. For other general mental health training queries please email asch.mental.health.training@derbyshire.gov.uk.
Purchasing training
Organisations (both in and outside Derbyshire) are welcome to purchase individual places or whole ringfenced courses from us for 'mental health first aid adult' and 'mental health first aid youth'. Both courses can be delivered as virtual (online interactive) courses and face-to-face courses.
We're happy to discuss a date and delivery arrangements. For further information and cost per person, or per course, please email asch.mental.health.training@derbyshire.gov.uk