The University of Northampton has opened an online course to teach people the basics of "mental health first aid".

An online course to recognise when the mental health of your friends, family and colleagues may be changing has been opened by the University of Northampton.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a global movement to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by increasing the public’s understanding of it.

The University of Northampton started delivering face-to-face MHFA training for staff and students in 2017 and to external groups from last year.

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More than 1,000 individuals are now more confident about mental health awareness and early intervention and earned a nomination at the first-ever national Inside Out Awards.

Now, MHFA England – the country’s official body overseeing MHFA – have approved the University’s team to increase access to the training by giving half-day courses online.

The training – which lasts three hours – introduces people to what mental health is, gives them an understanding of how to look after their mental health and well-being and other people’s and to confidently challenge stigma about mental health.

Emma Dillon, senior lecturer in mental health nursing, said: “Mental health awareness is everybody’s business. It is really important for us all to feel confident in looking after our well-being and being able to support others and signpost them appropriately.

“The UoN MHFA team are committed to making sure as many of us as possible enjoy good mental health, MHFA provides an evidence-based framework for individuals and teams to work in.