An Introduction to Working in Mental Health

The aim of this programme is to introduce individuals to working in mental health as an option for sustained employment.

The programme is designed to allow the individual to understand what it takes to work in mental health, including associated services linked to Mental Health, such as Drug and Alcohol services. As part of the programme, learners will complete a number of short courses in a range of subjects to upskill in sector-specific topics to improve knowledge, skills and behaviours for the preparation of working in this area of healthcare/social care.

The design of the programme was in collaboration with a range of stakeholders to create a programme that would prepare learners for progression either to a higher level of education or into sustained employment. As part of the programme, you will have the opportunity to meet organisations within the sector and we will support you both with placement opportunities and preparation in the application and interview process.

As this programme is aimed at progressing individuals towards employment within the service, placement opportunities will also be available in a range of healthcare and adult social care environments to give you a taste of what it is like to work in the service.

Over the course of the programme, learners will complete a main aim and a series of shorter subject specific subjects alongside, developing knowledge in the following areas:

Award in Mental Health Awareness

Be aware of what is meant by mental health 

Be aware of some of the social and personal effects of mental ill-health. 

Be aware of some of the responses to mental health issues. 

Be aware of cultural diversity in relation to mental health issue

Award in Personal & Social Development

Drug awareness

Alcohol awareness

Award in Introduction to Mentoring

Introduction to the Mentoring Relationship

Understanding Mentoring

Employability Skills, including application and interview preparation

Learners attend weekly sessions and engage in learning activities to support the learning outcomes. Progressing each week, learning will be structured towards completing both individual and group activities to increase knowledge and understanding which will be assessed using a range of methods.

Further support and learning can be accessed through supported research, with links to a range of activities, resources and further reading links.

As part of the programme, you may be exposed to a range of organisations from the mental health, drug and alcohol services who will present their organisations and reflect on what it is like to work in the services, together with placement opportunities and any current vacancies.

We will support you in your preparation for applying for roles within the sector with expert support towards interview and progression into employment.

We will encourage you to take up placement opportunities, available with a range of organisations in a range of settings which can support you in your progression into employment. Placements can be planned to suit the individuals’ pathway choice and can also be used as a working interview.

As part of the programme, we will also fund the application of an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) Certificate, the mandatory requirement for working in any health or care environment. We will also fund the upgrade to the online updates service for the first 12 months once your certificate arrives.

Regular submission of work that will be assessed and reviewed weekly.

Learners will receive feedback in order to further develop their knowledge

Learners will assess their knowledge at the start of the course and again at the end against the learning outcomes. This allows them to identify how much they have learnt and where they might need to do further study or research.

Learners will also be supported to set an individual target(s) for the course based on starting points, personal goals and career aspirations.

Learners accessing online assessment can view their progress in the progress bars on each course, indicating what has been completed and what is still to submit.