Scottish Mental Health First Aid Training

Scottish Mental Health First Aid (SMFA) is a recognised mental health training course registered with Public Health Scotland. The course takes 12 hours to complete (over two working days) and on completion, all delegates will receive a nationally recognised Public Health Scotland Mental Health First Aid certificate which is valid for three years. 

During the two day course, delegates will learn:

• Guidance on being a Mental Health First Aider
• Attitudes to mental health issues
• Understanding self-harm
• The recovery message
• The impact of alcohol and drugs on mental health
• Introduction to suicide intervention
• Listening skills
• Understanding depression
• How to offer first aid to someone experiencing depression
• Understanding anxiety
• How to offer first aid to someone experiencing anxiety
• Understanding psychosis
• How to offer first aid to someone experiencing a psychotic episode

The course does not train people to be mental health workers. It offers basic general information about mental health problems. The knowledge presented and understanding developed in the course helps to remove stigma and fear and to give confidence in approaching a person in distress. 

Mental Health First Aid is an initial response to distress and all participants on the course understand that this help is given only until other suitable or professional help can be found. 

Content note: Some parts of this course will cover sensitive topics, including self harm, suicide, depression, anxiety, alcohol and drugs. There will be a space provided at the training if you feel you need to step out of the room for a bit.

1. Most people don’t know what to do in a mental health crisis. Completing the course will give you the tools to deal with the situation.
2. You will learn how to spot the signs if a person might need help and the best way to approach them.
3. Most importantly, you could save a life by learning basic suicide intervention skills!
4. You will learn new skills that are useful in every part of your life and learn what protects your own and other people’s mental health.
5. A safer workplace is one where staff have an understanding of mental health and it's importance.

Sign up to the training today and make Scotland's legal profession a happier and healthier environment for all!

This training is open to any practising Scottish solicitor and will close 12 June 2025.

The training will take place over two days in-person at This is Milk's offices in Glasgow. Applicants must be able to attend both days.

If you would like to attend but are unable to complete the form, please email ambershadle@lawscot.org.uk.

*Please note, only 16 places are available on this course and should there be a high demand for the training, priority will be given to those working in smaller law firms where the opportunity of completing this training is not offered by their employer. In addition, while we are funding the full cost of the course for participants, travel and accommodation costs will not be covered*.