Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health

3 days and 2 nights each week (12 weeks)

Monday 28th April - Wednesday 16th July 2025

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Gain a recognised certificate demonstrating your knowledge of mental health and mental wellbeing that is recognised by a range of health care professions.

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Fees

This course could be FREE to you. Take a look at our fees page here

This course is ideal if you want to volunteer or work in mental health or if you want to find out more for your own information or to support others.

This course focusses on the study of mental health and wellbeing to support different occupational areas as well as offering a breadth and depth of study, incorporating key knowledge and understanding.

The key topics covered in this qualification are:

  • Mental health legislation, services and public attitudes and how these have evolved
  • How to support mental well-being through various stages of life
  • Mental ill-health, treatment options available and the potential consequences of mental ill-health
  • The skills required to work in a mental health service.

Awarding Body

This qualification is supported by the mental health charity MIND. Upon successful completion students will receive an NCFE Level 3 qualification/certificate.

Entry Requirements 

You must be working at a level 2 or above in English.

We also prefer applicants to have already obtained a Level 2 Mental Health qualification in health care or social care but this is desirable and not essential.  We will discuss this on an individual application basis.

Learning Outcomes 

To achieve this qualification you’ll need to complete 5 mandatory units:

  • Understanding the context of mental health and wellbeing. In this unit, students will gain an understanding of a range of current mental health legislation and how it has evolved over time. The student will consider the changes and how they are applied within the context of mental health service provision.
  • Promotion of mental health and wellbeing. In this unit, students will gain an understanding of the factors that might influence mental health and well-being in the different stages of a person’s life. The student will explore current national strategy and public health campaigns to demonstrate an understanding of how to support people to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
  • Mental health problems: associated issues and consequences. In this unit, students will explain the social consequences of mental health problems for the individual, their family and society as a whole. The student will consider the effects of substance and alcohol misuse and consider the links between mental health and offending.
  • Understanding mental ill-health. In this unit students will gain an understanding of a range of mental health conditions. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the recovery model and the role of the mental health worker in supporting individuals.
  • Working in mental health. In this unit students will know how to develop skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for working in mental health services. The student will explore the roles and responsibilities and sources of support available within and outside of the work setting

Student Case Study

Danny, one of our Level 3 Certificate in Mental Health students, completed the course and is now working as a Recovery Support Worker for a charity – read more about his Fircroft journey here

Progression 

This course is suitable for students wishing to pursue a career in the health and social care sector, in particular for those who wish to work with vulnerable adults/adults with mental health issues. It is also suitable for students who have experienced mental illness themselves or within their family to enable them to develop further knowledge and understanding of mental illness and mental health.