https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/psychological-first-aid-covid-19 – click here to access

The following infomation is from the Gov.uk press release:

• Free online psychological first aid training from Public Health England (PHE) available to frontline staff and volunteers
• Training will equip staff to provide support and recognise people at risk of distress
• Follows globally recommended model for supporting people during emergencies, tailored to the specific challenges of coronavirus (COVID-19)

Frontline staff and volunteers at the forefront of the national coronavirus response across England will be able to access a new Psychological First Aid (PFA) training course, the Minister for Mental Health Nadine Dorries announced today.

From today the course, which has been developed by PHE, will be available to frontline workers and volunteers dealing with the public during the coronavirus pandemic.

The free online course enables responders to develop their skills and confidence in providing key psychological support to people affected by coronavirus, including on issues such as job worries, bereavement or isolation as they carry out their vital work as part of the ongoing coronavirus response.

It will also help to develop understanding of how emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic can affect us all, how to recognise people who may be at increased risk of distress, and how to offer practical and emotional support.

Minister for Mental Health Nadine Dorries said:

“Supporting each other’s mental health and wellbeing is more important than ever during these challenging and uncertain times. Staff and volunteers in many different roles are working tirelessly to provide crucial support at this time and are often a critical touchpoint in identifying those who may be affected.

“This new training course will help to support the incredible work of frontline workers to support those most in need both through the coronavirus outbreak and beyond, equipping them with vital tools to deliver psychological first aid.”

Psychological First Aid is being used worldwide to support those in need of mental and wellbeing support in emergency situations. The World Health Organization and United Nations are supporting its use in response to coronavirus.

The new course has been developed by PHE with support from NHS England and Health Education England and is being made available to frontline workers across England by social learning platform, Future Learn.