Frequently asked questions

• Where do I book onto the MHFA Islington courses?
  Answer: You can book online at www.rethink.org/IslingtonMHFA , there is a link named Youth Application Form/ Adult Application form which you can click on to book your place on a course. Or you can contact rethink at 020 7840 3086 and we can send you an application form in the post.
• Can I book over the phone for the MHFA courses?
  Answer: No, we don’t allow people to book over the phone. But if you would like to book onto the course you can do it online at www.rethink.org/IslingtonMHFA or contact rethink at 020 7840 3086 and have a form sent to you in the post.
• Who is eligible for the MHFA courses that take place in Islington?
  Answer: People who work, live, study or volunteer in Islington are eligible to attend the MHFA courses that take place in Islington.
• Is there an overlap with the MHFA youth course and the MHFA adult course?
  Answer: Yes, there is a slight overlap with the youth course and the adult course. The youth course is aimed at the general public and individuals who work with or support young people between the ages of 11-16. Whereas the adult course is also aimed at the general public but instead of young people it focuses on people from the age of 18+. Although there is content overlap, people who have taken both the youth and adult course have said that they have benefitted from taking both courses.
• How long are the MHFA courses?
  Answer: The MHFA courses are running over a two day period. Although there are a few courses that are running over 4 evenings instead, but all the same content is covered in the evening course. The courses that are running over two days will be between 9:30-17:00 on both days and the courses that are running over 4 evenings will be between 18:30-21:30 on all 4 evenings.
• What is the difference between the MHFA Rethink and the MHFA Islington?
  Answer: The MHFA Rethink (youth and adult) is ran for anyone to attend who might have an interest in learning about care and support for people experiencing a mental health problem. Rethink are charging for both the MHFA Rethink courses. Whereas the MHFA Islington (youth and adult) courses cover the same content as the MHFA Rethink courses but is only available for those that live, work, study or volunteer in Islington and this is a free course thanks to external funding that Rethink have received to run the courses. All the MHFA Islington courses take place in Islington.
• How much do I need to pay for the MHFA Rethink course?
  Answer: For the MHFA Rethink courses there is a sliding scale depending on your employment status:
  Unwaged- £65
  Individuals- £120
  Charity/voluntary sector- £175
  Statutory sector- £200
• Where are the MHFA courses taking place?
  Answer: All the MHFA Islington courses are taking place at different venues in Islington, for details of dates and venues please go to www.rethink.org/IslingtonMHFA .
  A Majority of the MHFA Rethink courses are taking place In Vauxhall, London, for details of dates and venues please go to www.rethink.org/MHFA .
• Is there a waiting list for the courses that are currently full?
  Answer: Yes, there is a waiting list for the courses that are currently full. However the likelihood of people dropping off the course and letting us know with enough notice is very rare. We do advise people to book onto a different course if a course is currently full, people then have a higher chance of being able to attend a course. 
• Will I receive any confirmation when I book onto the course?
  Answer: Yes, everyone who books onto a MHFA course will receive an e-mail confirming that they have a place on the course. They will also receive a letter nearer the date of the course confirming their place and with this letter will be a map indicating the location that the course is taking place at.
• Do I receive a certificate after attending the MHFA course?
  Answer: Yes, everyone who has attended and successfully completed a MHFA course will receive a certificate saying that they have done the course. This certificate will have your name on it, so it is a personal certificate to you as an individual. Each individual will also receive a manual that covers the content of the course, so this can be referred to in the future.
• What is covered in the MHFA courses?
  Answer: The MHFA course teaches people how to give initial care until medical treatment is accessed and the MHFA does the same for someone experiencing mental ill health.  However, in teaching people how to give initial care, the course also helps to dispel the fears people often have when they come across someone they suspect is experiencing mental ill health or is in distress. It will enable people to recognise the signs and symptoms of those affected by mental health problems and offer initial help and guidance towards appropriate professional services.
  Throughout the four sessions split over two days/four evenings the content that is covered can be found at http://www.mhfaengland.org/about-us/mhfa-courses/ . There is a ‘pdf’ file or ‘text only’ file which gives an outline of what is covered in each session.
• Who delivers the MHFA courses?
  Answer: Rethink have a team of experienced instructors and trainers who are able to deliver both the adult and youth MHFA programmes. The trainers can be found on the Rethink website by clicking on this link: http://www.rethink.org/how_we_can_help/learning_and_young_people/mental_health_first.html then clicking on trainers. You will find here a list of the trainers and comments about how they feel the course is changing people’s lives.
• Is there a phone number I can use to contact Rethink about getting hold of a paper application form for the MHFA course?
  Answer: The contact phone number for Rethink for any queries about the MHFA courses is 020 7840 3086 or you can e-mail MHFA@rethink.org.
• What is MHFA?
  Answer: Mental health first aid is First aid for physical injuries teaches people how to give initial care until medical treatment is accessed, and MHFA does the same for someone experiencing mental ill health.  However, in teaching people how to give initial care, the course also dispel the fears people often have when they come across someone they suspect is experiencing mental ill health or is in distress.
  The main aims of MHFA are to:
  • Preserve life where a person may be a danger to themselves
  • Provide help to prevent the mental health problems developing into a more serious state
  • Promote recovery of good mental health
  • Provide comfort to a person experiencing mental ill health 
  • Raise awareness of mental health issues in the community 
  • Reduce stigma and discrimination
• How many people can book onto a course?
  Answer: We accept 25 people on each course (apart from a few exceptions where we except less people on the course), so anyone else who tries to book on a course that already has 25 people booked on it will be put on a waiting list or advised to book on another course.
• Will the courses be running next year as I am very busy up until the end of this year and would love to attend a course?
  Answer: Yes, the courses will be running next year but the dates haven’t yet been decided, keep an eye out on the website for dates in the New Year as they will be on the website soon.

If you have any other questions call 020 7840 3086 or email alice.lundsten@rethink.org.