Our Pathways

Three Pathways

We offer three training pathways to choose from so you can develop your staffs’ mental health and wellbeing knowledge and skills.

All of our courses are fully funded through the Learning and Development Support Scheme

1. Standard

The core course

2. Specialised

Choose from 2 course options

3. Mental Health Ambassador

The full package

1 standard pathway

Concentrate on the particular requirements and responsibilities involved in roles where staff may be providing care to those with mental health needs.

2 specialised pathway

Mental Health Awareness helps staff to gain a better understanding of mental health, what contributes to poor mental health, and introduces some common difficulties which people may be dealing with.

Awareness of Mental Health Problems examines specific mental health problems which staff may encounter, providing a greater level of understanding which enables them to look beyond exhibited behaviour to the underlying motivations and meaning.

3 mental health ambassador

Complete the core course as well as your choice of one specialised option. Staff on this pathway develop a full understanding of mental health care, earning two accredited qualifications to become a Mental Health Ambassador.

The Need For Mental Health Training

One in four adults experience mental health problems, with it estimated that there are over half a million jobs in adult social care which support those with mental ill health.

NHS mental health services in England received a record 5.2 million referrals during 2024, representing a 37.9% increase from 2019.

(BMA, as of June 2025)

In 2023, mental health services in England received a record 5 million referrals, a 33% increase since 2019.

(Health Foundation, Jan 2025)

Referrals to adult community mental health services rose by 11% in the last year.

(Centre for Mental Health, Jan 2024)

Organisations that implement mental health training for managers report a 30% reduction in mental health-related absences.

(Deloitte, May 2024)

The Impact of Training on Your Provision

Improved Staff Health and Wellbeing:

  • Develop support structures within teams
  • Reduce staff absences due to mental ill health
  • Improve staff retention

Enhanced Quality of Care and Support:

  • Self-management
  • Improved communication and relationships
  • Better management of challenging behaviours

Reduced Stigma and Discrimination:

  • Improve outcomes
  • Create a culture within your setting
  • Embed discussions around mental health into everyday

Improved Identification and Intervention:

  • Holistic and person-centred care
  • Faster access to support
  • Reduced escalation of crises among service users

By providing mental health training for your staff, you enable a virtuous cycle which shifts your approach from reactive crisis management to proactive support and prevention, benefiting the entire care ecosystem at your setting.

Fully Funded Training

Non-regulated care staff across England can access the mental health training courses in our three pathways using available government funding.

This includes those working within:

 

  • Residential Care Services
  • Domiciliary Care
  • Day Care
  • Community Support Services
To qualify for reimbursement, you must meet the following criteria:

Staff undertaking eligible training courses or qualifications must be:

 

  • non-regulated care staff in England, including deputy and Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered managers and agency staff. Eligible employees must be employed by an eligible employer (see above) to qualify for funding
  • legally employed in England and have a UK National Insurance number

Additional specialist training pathways

For larger group bookings of 20 or more learners we are able to offer in person training covering specialist pathways within care for further expertise in mental health support. Please contact our team to arrange your funded group booking on advice@skillsforprogress.com 

Specialist course stroke awareness
Specialist course dementia awareness
Specialist course - understanding autism

“I would thoroughly recommend this training. Up to date and relevant to our new way of working.”

“These courses are bite size wonderments! Just what I need to get my career back on track.”

“Thank you, the course was very informative and useful and Richard was clearly very knowledgeable.” 

“The Mental Health Awareness course was excellent for providing a comprehensive understanding of key mental health issues, and offering practical strategies for supporting others.”

“The Mental Health Awareness course was effective for raising awareness, fostering empathy, and equipping participants with the tools to better handle mental health challenges in both personal and professional settings.”

“This course was well constructed and divided into relevant sections in bite sized pieces which makes learning more manageable.” 

“Very good communication, professionally designed course, and knowledgeable teacher.”

“Richard’s Mental Health Awareness course was absolutely outstanding! His use of videos to explain complex topics in such a simple, calm, and engaging manner made the learning process truly enjoyable.”