What was the process for developing the new Youth MHFA course?

We began by recruiting Instructor Member and National Trainer subject matter experts (SMEs), alongside external specialist organisations. They utilised their diverse skills and knowledge to review mental health information within the existing Youth MHFA Two Day course manual. 

We then gathered feedback from Youth MHFA Instructor Members, Youth MHFAiders, clients, and MHFA England staff to identify gaps and areas for improvement. A key part of the course development involved establishing a co-design group including young people, Youth MHFA Instructor Members, and Youth MHFAiders. In collaboration with the British Youth Council, we facilitated workshops to help shape the course, draft activities, and review scripts.

We conducted four successful pilots of the new Youth MHFA course, with co-design group members observing the sessions before finalising the course content and session plan.