Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid training is designed to give individuals the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognise and respond to mental health challenges in others. At Thrive Minds, this training provides practical guidance on how to identify early warning signs, offer initial support, and signpost individuals to appropriate professional help. Just as physical first aid equips people to respond to physical injuries, Mental Health First Aid empowers people to support someone experiencing emotional or psychological distress.
This training is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including employees, managers, educators, and community members who want to better understand mental health and how to support those around them. Participants learn how to approach sensitive conversations, listen without judgement, and respond in a calm, supportive, and effective way.
The aim is to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and create environments where people feel safe to talk about their mental health.
At Thrive Minds, Mental Health First Aid training is delivered by Andrea Kearns, an experienced trainer who brings a practical and engaging approach to every session. The training is designed to be interactive and accessible, ensuring participants leave feeling confident in their ability to recognise when someone may be struggling and how to respond appropriately.
Delivered across Northern Ireland, this training can be tailored to suit the needs of organisations, teams, and community groups. By investing in Mental Health First Aid, organisations can create more supportive workplaces, improve wellbeing, and ensure that individuals feel equipped to make a positive difference when it matters most.
This training is suitable for anyone, including employees, managers, teachers, and community members who want to better understand mental health and support others effectively.
Mental Health First Aid training teaches individuals how to recognise the signs of mental health challenges, provide initial support, and guide someone towards appropriate professional help.
No prior experience is required. The training is designed to be accessible for everyone, regardless of background or knowledge of mental health.
It helps create a supportive workplace culture, improves awareness of mental health, reduces stigma, and equips staff with the confidence to respond to colleagues in need.
No, it is not therapy. It focuses on providing initial support and guidance, rather than diagnosing or treating mental health conditions.
You will learn how to recognise signs of mental health issues, start supportive conversations, listen effectively, provide reassurance, and signpost individuals to professional support services.
Andrea Kearns is a highly experienced counsellor and master trainer with a proven track record in the mental health field, delivering impactful services since 2007. With extensive experience working across public, corporate, and third-sector organisations, Andrea brings depth, insight, and professionalism to every aspect of her work.
Widely regarded as a leader in training delivery, Andrea specialises in designing and delivering high-quality mental health programmes that are practical, engaging, and evidence-based. Her work includes delivering Mental Health First Aid, psychoeducation programmes informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and a range of specialist and advanced training courses. Andrea’s approach bridges theory and practice, ensuring participants gain meaningful skills they can confidently apply in real-world settings.
Andrea is known for her strong leadership skills, clinical expertise, and ability to connect authentically with diverse audiences. She brings a compassionate, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach to both training and counselling, creating safe and supportive learning environments. Her work is underpinned by a commitment to ethical practice, continuous professional development, and high professional standards.
Andrea Kearns provides trusted, high-quality counselling, training, and consultancy services for organisations and individuals seeking to build knowledge, confidence, and capacity in mental health and wellbeing.
Managers, Team Leaders, and HR Professionals – Learn how to recognise signs of mental health difficulties in colleagues, respond appropriately, and create a supportive workplace culture that prioritises wellbeing.
Educators and School Staff – Equip yourself with the skills to spot early signs of stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges in students and provide support in a safe, understanding way.
Community Group Leaders and Volunteers – Gain the confidence to approach and assist members of your community who may be experiencing mental health challenges, helping to reduce stigma and promote support.
Employees in Public-Facing Roles – Learn practical strategies to respond effectively to clients, customers, or the public who may be struggling.
Promotes wellbeing and reduces absenteeism – Equips staff to recognise and respond to mental health challenges, creating healthier workplaces.
Builds a more supportive culture – Encourages open conversations about mental health, reduces stigma, and helps staff feel safe asking for help.
Improves staff confidence and morale – Provides practical skills to support colleagues, boosting confidence and strengthening team cohesion.
Helps respond appropriately to colleagues in crisis – Ensures staff can identify early signs and provide timely, appropriate support or guidance.
