Having started in Autumn 2019, our Aquarius Peer Education Project (APEP) was introduced as part of our ‘2020 Vision approach to Mental Health in Education’, by introducing ourselves into schools and colleges, where 50% of mental health problems will be established by the age of 14, and now in 2021 a minimum of five students in every classroom are likely to be experiencing some form of mental health problem.
Aquarius Mental Health Solutions will deliver the four-hour ‘FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health’ to a group of 8 (minimum) to 16 (maximum) selected staff members and pupils (over the age of 14), which has a short assessment afterwards in order to gain the necessary three-year qualification.
As a progression, Aquarius Mental Health Solutions can deliver the six-hour ‘FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health’ to a group of 8 (minimum) to 16 (maximum) selected staff members and pupils (over the age of 16), which has a short assessment afterwards in order to gain the necessary three-year qualification.
NEW!! FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Youth Mental Health (RFQ) – available for classes of up to 16 learners over the age 14. This one-day qualification has six assigned guided learning hours (seven hours in total, including end of course assessment). The progression will be the ‘FAA Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health’. This qualification expires three years after the date of achievement, and ongoing CPD is vital to keep up with changes to policies, procedures and new legislations.
The FAA Award in First Aid for Youth Mental Health qualification is suitable for anyone who actively connects with children such as parents, carers, teachers, youth group leaders and young adults. The qualification has been designed with children and young people in mind covering areas such as depression, self-harm, eating disorders and bullying and will provide the knowledge and skills to identify a potential mental health condition, start a conversation, and provide support and guidance to professional help.
Also available as distance training with a blended mix of online Guided Learning (4-5 hours) and self-paced learning (3-4 hours) from resources supplied.
All Level 1 & Level 2 courses will have the respective manuals as part of the resource pack, along with certificates upon successful completion, and are included in the costs of the course(s).
Young people are more likely to benefit from peer educators rather than adult educators, feeling more comfortable when asking questions and relaying experiences, and finding them a more credible source of information and resources.
The whole aspect of mentoring and role-modelling is more apparent than if carried out by an Adult Educator and can be built upon when delivered by a Peer Educator, bringing a continuum to the role in the respective school or college in future years.
Peer Education has a different and more targeted and appropriate range of social networks to create and sustain the impact and impetus of the project in the chosen educational environment.
Most importantly, the selection for the role and the impending knowledge in Mental Health, which results in recognition throughout the peer group as a leader, promoting high levels of confidence and self-esteem as part of their own personal mental well-being into adult life.
Please do not hesitate in contacting us for further details on Aquarius Mental Health Solutions or our Aquarius Peer Education Project (APEP).