The NOCN Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness is a short qualification aimed at providing learners with a foundational understanding of mental health. This qualification focuses on raising awareness of mental health conditions and how they can affect individuals. It explores the causes, symptoms, and impact of various mental health issues, as well as how to offer support and create a more supportive, stigma-free environment.

This course is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of mental health and develop the skills to be more supportive to others, whether in a professional or personal context. By raising awareness and educating individuals, the course helps to break down barriers and encourages more open conversations about mental health.

Course Overview

The NOCN Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness is designed for anyone who wishes to learn about mental health, whether they are working in a healthcare setting or simply want to gain a better understanding for personal development. The course covers a range of topics, from identifying common mental health conditions to exploring the stigma surrounding mental health and learning ways to support those affected.

The course typically involves a mix of theoretical learning, discussions, and practical case studies to help learners apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Through engaging with the course content, learners will be equipped with the essential tools and understanding needed to recognize mental health challenges and provide appropriate support to those in need.

Course Study Units

Mental Health Awareness

Who Is This Course For?

The NOCN Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness is designed for anyone who wishes to improve their understanding of mental health. It is ideal for:

Individuals working in healthcare or social care roles: Healthcare professionals, social workers, carers, and other front-line staff who wish to gain a foundational understanding of mental health and improve their ability to support people with mental health challenges. Managers and team leaders: Those in management positions who want to create a mentally healthy workplace and support employees who may be struggling with mental health issues. Teachers and educators: School staff, including teachers and support staff, who want to improve their awareness of mental health issues and how to create a safe, supportive environment for students. Volunteers and community workers: Those working in community settings who are involved in supporting people and want to improve their understanding of mental health and how to provide appropriate support. Anyone interested in learning about mental health: This course is also suitable for individuals who wish to better understand mental health on a personal level, whether for their own development or to help a friend, family member, or colleague.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of the NOCN Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness, learners will have gained a broad understanding of mental health and be able to:

Understand mental health concepts: Recognize the different factors that influence mental health and understand the importance of maintaining good mental health. Identify common mental health conditions: Understand the symptoms, causes, and impacts of common mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Recognize the signs of mental health issues: Be able to identify when someone may be struggling with their mental health and recognize the impact mental health conditions can have on individuals' daily lives. Provide support to individuals: Offer basic support and guidance to individuals with mental health challenges, including listening, offering empathy, and signposting them to appropriate resources. Promote a positive mental health environment: Work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and create an open and supportive environment in both personal and professional settings. Understand mental health in the workplace: Understand how mental health issues can affect the workplace and learn how to create a mentally healthy work environment.

Course Future Progression

Upon completing the NOCN Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness, there are several progression opportunities for further study or career advancement:

Further Mental Health Qualifications Graduates of this qualification may choose to continue their education in mental health by progressing to a higher-level qualification, such as the Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid or the Level 3 Certificate in Mental Health. These courses provide more in-depth knowledge and practical skills for those seeking to specialize in mental health.

Mental Health First Aid Training For those interested in gaining practical, first-hand knowledge in responding to mental health crises, the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course is a natural next step. This training helps individuals to provide immediate support to someone in crisis until professional help can be accessed.

Social Care and Health Support Roles With the knowledge gained from the Level 2 Award, learners may wish to pursue careers in social care, mental health support, or other related fields, where understanding and supporting mental health is a key part of the job.

Workplace Mental Health Initiatives The course equips learners with the knowledge to implement mental health initiatives in the workplace. For those in management or HR roles, there are opportunities to introduce mental health policies and support structures within organizations.

Volunteer or Charity Work The course also provides a foundation for individuals wishing to volunteer with mental health charities or community support organizations, where mental health awareness and support are vital.

Conclusion

The NOCN Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness is a fantastic qualification for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of mental health and provide meaningful support to those affected by mental health conditions. By gaining a foundational understanding of mental health, recognizing common conditions, and learning how to reduce stigma, learners will be empowered to make a real difference in both personal and professional settings. This qualification not only enhances individual knowledge but also contributes to the creation of a more supportive, open, and mentally healthy society.