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Get Started in Mental Health Level 1
This learning programme is designed for learners who are interested in a career working in Mental Health, or for those already working within voluntary or community settings, whose role is to interact with the public in a supporting position.
The Mental Health Awareness Level 1 Award is for learners wanting to develop their knowledge and understanding to raise awareness of the issues surrounding mental health difficulties, dispel some of the myths and misconceptions frequently linked to mental health issues, and to develop knowledge of the rights of those with mental health issues. This course explores how volunteering for community organisations can further progress their careers.
You will be able to improve your Skills for Work at Entry Level 3 and obtain a qualification that will enable you to progress onto higher level learning programmes.
It is also suitable for learners who need to build and consolidate their English skills before progressing onto higher levels of health and social care courses.

Open Course Fees

B1: £283.17 (In London Resident)
B2: £187.63 (London Concessionary)
B3: £00.00 (Concessionary)
B4: £425.17 (Out of London Resident)
Prosp User 2

Open What will I learn?

By the end of the learning programme, you should be able to -
• Describe what is meant by mental health.
• Outline some of the social and personal effects of mental ill-health
• Identify ways to respond to support individuals with mental health issues
• Explain how cultural diversity can have an impact on mental health issues.
• Develop and improve digital and skills to prepare for work.
Prosp User 3

Open How will I be assessed?

Your work will be assessed throughout the learning programme by your tutor. You will be required to complete a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding about working within the health & social care sector. You will also be required to complete portfolios of evidence in Skills for Work (Occupational Studies Entry 3 Award). You will be supported throughout the course to enable you to produce portfolio work which will include a wide range of evidence methods such as written tasks, case studies and work products to meet the assessment criteria.
Prosp User 4

Open What experience or qualifications do I need to start this course?

You will need to attend a skills assessment before you can enrol on this learning programme. You do not need any formal qualifications to apply, however, you will need to be able to use both written and spoken English to at least an Entry Level 3 standard.
You will also need basic Digital Skills, this is essential to be able to successfully participate in online sessions as you will be required to work on online platforms such as Google Classroom and Moodle. Learners may be offered additional English, maths and digital support where appropriate.
Prosp User 5

Open Important Information

• You will be expected to be punctual and attend 100% of this course. Please do not book holidays in term time and let us know of any planned absences before you start the course. If you do not attend for 2 consecutive sessions, without prior notice you may be withdrawn, and this will reduce your chances of joining another course in the future.

• Learners may complete an Emotional Health and Wellbeing survey to help us identify and support these needs appropriately.

• We use a mixture of classroom based and online learning for classwork and homework.
Prosp User 14

Open Is there anything I need to bring? Are there any other costs?

You will need a note pad and pen for your first session and your tutor will advise you on further materials if needed (Please do not purchase any materials before the first session).

Open Can I get extra help?

Yes. There are various ways to support your learning, subject to your individual circumstance and type of programme, please ask your tutor or the centre staff for more information on the following:
• Additional funding to pay for resources.
• Laptop, Loan and Learn scheme
• Homework Club
• Additional support within the classroom
Prosp User 6

Open After the course….

Upon successful completion of this course, learners can progress onto H&SC or professional learning development courses, such as: -
• Level 1 – Award in Health, Social Care & Children and Young People
• Level 2 – Awareness of Mental Health
• Level 2 – Understanding Working in the Health Sector
• Level 2 - Mental Health First Aid for Work
• Level 2 - Safeguarding and Prevent
• Level 2 - Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
Professions
Prosp User 7

Open What job opportunities could this lead to?

The completion of this course could lead to work opportunities, dependent on employer requirements and relevant experience. Progression onto a Level 2 course would enhance your opportunities. The National Careers Service offer further information, advice and guidance: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers

Salary ranges in the health & social care sectors:
Social Work Assistant / Community Support Worker - £18,200 to £28,000 per annum
Residential Support Worker - £19,000 to £30,000 per annum
Care Worker - £14,000 to £25,000 per annum
Senior Care Worker - £17,000 to £27,000 per annum
Healthcare Assistant - £20,270 to £26,282 per annum
Health Records Clerk - £18,546 to £24,882 per annum
Medical Administrator/ Secretary - £17,500 to £24,000 per annum
Prosp User 8

Open How will I be able to give my views on the course?

• You can give your views through your ILP, course evaluation forms, surveys and our Compliments, Comments and Complaints forms which can be found in Centre offices.
• You may also choose to become a course representative for your class. Course Representatives can then stand for election onto our Learner Council
Prosp User 9

Open Safe learning

• We want you to enjoy your learning experience and feel safe, equal and respected while you are here with us. If you have any concerns, please report it to a member of staff or directly to a Designated Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible.

• To ensure that our learners can communicate with each other safely we offer a variety of functions in Google suite. We strongly discourage the use of other social media groups such as Whatsapp, which rely on personal data being shared.
Prosp User 10

Open How to apply/enquire

To apply, you will first need to attend a skills assessment session, please copy and paste the link below to book or contact a centre for details of upcoming dates.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedNZlK6JciGA2PTGCKqjAC01dR0tGPjTAl89qVXc9RjYqwuw/viewform
Prosp User 11
HSC1001
15/01/2026
09/07/2026
09:30 - 11:45
22 weeks
Online
Please note – the course will only go ahead subject to sufficient enrolments.
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