This Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems is fully funded for residents of Greater London and West Sussex. It aims to raise your awareness of mental health and a range of mental health problems. This mental health course allows you to gain an understanding of prevalent mental health problems and how to work with or interact with individuals with them. UK employers, particularly in the health and social care sector, are increasingly interested in their staff having a sound understanding of a range of mental health problems. The demand for mental health skills and resources has been steadily growing throughout the last decade, but since COVID19 that demand has increased. Employees and employers have found the importance of mental health awareness at the forefront of their agendas.
Achieving the Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it enhances individuals’ understanding of mental health issues, breaking down stigma and fostering empathy. This certification equips individuals with essential knowledge to recognise signs of mental health problems, promoting early intervention and support. Moreover, it cultivates a supportive environment, whether in the workplace or community, contributing to overall well-being and productivity. The qualification also enables individuals to engage in open conversations about mental health, reducing discrimination and promoting inclusivity. In summary, achieving the Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems is important for fostering empathy. It enables early intervention, and actively contributes to the creation of a more informed and supportive societal framework for mental health.
Course Length: 16 weeks on average
Awarding Body: NCFE (E-certificates upon achievement)
Learning Method(s): Online materials and assessment
There is no prior qualification needed to access this course.
This course is part of our fully funded range of Level 2 courses so is free to the majority of learners – eligibility criteria applies.
Unit 1: Understanding mental health
This unit comprises of 4 sections that cover what is meant by mental health and mental ill health and how care has changed over time. Also the social and legal context of mental illness.
Unit 2: Understanding stress
This unit comprises of 5 sections that cover understanding the term stress and its possible causes. Learners will gain an understanding of how stress can affect an individual, how the demands of daily life can contribute to it and how stress can be managed.
Unit 3: Understanding anxiety
This unit comprises of 4 sections that look at understanding the terms ‘anxiety’ and panic attack, the possible causes and how it can affect the individual and others. Also covered are how different ways of thinking and behaving can affect anxiety and how anxiety may be managed.
Unit 4: Understanding phobias
This unit comprises of 4 sections that look at understanding the term phobia, the possible causes and how it can affect the individual and others. Also covered is an understanding of how phobias may be managed
Unit 5: Understanding depression
This unit comprises of 4 sections that look at understanding the term depression, the possible causes and how it can affect the individual and others. Also covered is an understanding of how the demands of daily life can contribute to depression and how it can be managed.
Unit 6: Understanding postnatal depression
This unit comprises of 6 sections that look at understanding the term postnatal depression and the causes, understanding puerperal psychosis and how postnatal depression can affect the mother and others. Also covered is an understanding of how preparation for the birth can help reduce the risk of postnatal depression and how postnatal depression and puerperal psychosis may be managed.
Unit 7: Understanding bipolar disorder
This unit comprises of 6 sections that look at understanding the term bipolar disorder, the causes and how it can affect the individual and others. Also covered is an understanding of how to recognise the symptoms of bipolar disorder, how the demands of daily life can influence it and how it may be managed.
Unit 8: Understanding schizophrenia
This unit comprises of 5 sections that look at understanding the term schizophrenia, the causes and how it can affect the individual and others. Also covered is an understanding of how the media representation of schizophrenia can create confusion about the illness and how it may be managed.
Unit 9: Understanding dementia
This unit comprises of 4 sections that look at understanding the term dementia, the causes and how dementia can affect the individual and others. Also covered is an understanding of the factors which may adversely affect a person with dementia and how dementia may be managed.
Unit 10: Understanding eating disorders
This unit comprises of 4 sections that look at understanding the term eating disorder, the causes and how an eating disorder may affect the individual and others. Also covered is an understanding of how an eating disorder may be managed.
Unit 11: Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
This unit comprises of 5 sections that look at understanding the term ADHD, the causes and how ADHA can affect the individual and others. Also covered is an understanding of the symptoms associated with ADHD and how it may be managed.
Unit 12: Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
This unit comprises of 5 sections that look at understanding the term OCD, the causes and how OCD can affect the individual and others. Also covered is an understanding of the thoughts and behaviour associated with OCD and how it may be managed.
Unit 13: Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This unit comprises of 5 sections that look at understanding the term PTSD, the causes and how OCD can affect the individual and others. Also covered is an understanding of the symptoms associated with PTSD and how it may be managed.
If employed, learners must meet the relevant earnings threshold for their area and course level:
Learners can be unemployed to complete our short courses, however Level 2 Mental Health in Early Years and Level 2 Adverse Childhood Experiences must be done in the workplace.
Eligibility is subject to individual circumstances and will be confirmed as part of the enrolment process
The Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems is a nationally recognised qualification developing understanding of mental health, wellbeing, and common conditions including stress, anxiety, depression, phobias, eating disorders, and schizophrenia. It also covers the legislation, services, and support available to individuals experiencing mental ill health.
The course is suitable for anyone wishing to improve their understanding of mental health and wellbeing, particularly those working in health and social care, education, housing, community services, and other people facing roles. It is also suitable for individuals who simply want to increase their personal awareness of mental health.
The course is fully funded through the Adult Skills Fund for eligible adults aged 19 and over living in London or Buckinghamshire. London residents must generally earn no more than £14.80 per hour, with Buckinghamshire eligibility linked to National Minimum Wage thresholds. All funding is subject to residency and eligibility checks at enrolment.
The course is delivered through a flexible blended learning model, with online materials supported by a dedicated tutor throughout. Assessment is through an online portfolio of evidence and knowledge based workbooks, with no formal examinations required. Learners need access to a suitable device and reliable internet connection.
The qualification supports progression into roles including Support Worker, Healthcare Assistant, Care Assistant, Wellbeing Support Worker, and Community Support Worker. It also provides a strong foundation for further training and career progression within health, social care, and support services.
