Mental Health First Aider (MHFAs) training dates for the entirety of 2025 are now confirmed and available to book for colleagues looking to better support others with mental health concerns.

A vital part of our efforts to improve and bolster internal mental health support available to Gateshead group colleagues, we’re proud to have dozens of trained first aiders throughout the organization and across our various sites. MHFAs can act as a point of contact for any colleague experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress, and offer non-judgmental listening, guidance and signposting.

This year, the organisation also introduced the 1-day MHFA Champions training for Line Managers to complement our 2-day First Aider course, and help upskill leaders throughout the group. These courses will continue to be offered in 2025 on rotation, with one course taking place near enough every month. Dates and locations for these courses can be found below, as well as via our sign-up form, where you can express your interest in being booked on a course now.

2025 MHFA Training Dates:

• 22nd Januar: Mental Health First Aid Champions Training for Line Managers – Room 4, Trust HQ/Education Centre, QE Hospital (Almost fully booked)
• 17th & 18th March: Mental Health First Aider Training, QEF Core Skills Training Room, QE Hospital (Almost fully booked)
• 27th March: Mental Health First Aid Champions Training for Line Managers – Room 4, Trust HQ/Education Centre, QE Hospital
• 15th & 16th April: Mental Health First Aider Training, QEF Core Skills Training Room, QE Hospital
• 22nd May: Mental Health First Aid Champions Training for Line Managers – Room 4, Trust HQ/Education Centre, QE Hospital
• 10th & 11th June: Mental Health First Aider Training, Bensham Committee Room, Bensham Hospital
• 9th July: Mental Health First Aid Champions Training for Line Managers – QEF Core Skills Training Room, QE Hospital
• 20th & 21st August: Mental Health First Aid Champions Training for Line Managers – QEF Core Skills Training Room, QE Hospital
• 24th September: Mental Health First Aid Champions Training for Line Managers – Bensham Committee Room, Bensham Hospital
• 8th & 9th October: Mental Health First Aid First Aider Training – QEF Core Skills Training Room, QE Hospital
• 13th November: Mental Health First Aid Champions Training for Line Managers – QEF Core Skills Training Room, QE Hospital

In addition to the above dates, we are also hoping to hold a session or two at the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Gateshead MetroCentre. These will hopefully be confirmed in due course.

If you have any further queries about Mental Health First Aid training, please check out the training guide & role description. You can also get in touch on [email protected].