Overview
Mental health influences how we think, interpret, relate and function, yet changes in psychological health are not always immediately recognisable – either to the individual experiencing them or to those around them.
This evidence-informed programme develops mental health literacy through a psychological lens. It examines the relationship between stress, psychological health and human functioning; the factors that influence mental health; and how changes may become evident through cognition, emotion and behaviour.
Participants will explore common mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety disorders, how they may present, and the importance of recognising individual variation rather than relying on assumptions or stereotypes.
The course is interactive and combines facilitated discussion, video content, group discussion and applied learning to explore the subject through both psychological theory and everyday human experience.
The programme also considers how stigma, discrimination and language continue to shape
perceptions of mental illness, disclosure and access to support.
Central to the programme is human response: recognising psychological distress, knowing how to approach someone we are concerned about, and understanding how empathy, communication and effective listening can support meaningful conversations.
The programme develops the knowledge to understand mental health and mental illness, recognise psychological distress and respond appropriately – in ourselves and others.
Participants will receive a digital booklet to retain after the course, bringing together the key resources referenced throughout the programme.
What you'll learn
We will explore:
• Mental health literacy – developing a clearer understanding of mental health, mental illness and psychological distress, how mental health can fluctuate and the factors that influence it.
• Stigma, discrimination and perception – examining how language, assumptions and stigma shape attitudes towards mental illness and can influence disclosure, inclusion and access to support.
• The psychology of stress – how sustained pressure affects the brain, body, cognition, emotion and behaviour.
• Common mental illnesses – developing knowledge of depression, anxiety disorders and how mental illness can present differently between individuals.
• Recognising psychological distress – identifying changes in mood, behaviour and presentation that may indicate a deterioration in psychological health.
• Empathy, listening and communication – exploring the distinction between empathy and sympathy, effective listening strategies and the communication skills that support meaningful conversations.
• Distress, crisis and escalating concern – recognising when psychological distress may be becoming more acute, including indications of potential risk, and how to respond when greater concern emerges.
• Pathways to further support – understanding the limits of informal support and when and how to access professional, specialist or crisis services.
Who is it for?
Designed for anyone wishing to increase their literacy, knowledge and understanding of mental health, mental illness and psychological distress. No previous knowledge is required.
The programme provides a psychologically informed foundation for understanding mental health, recognising change and responding more effectively to ourselves and others
Mental Health Resource Booklet
Participants will receive a digital booklet to retain after the course, bringing together the key resources referenced throughout the programme and a comprehensive directory of mental health organisations, professional and crisis support services, further learning and sources of information.
