Public Health Scotland (PHS) is hosting an online Scottish Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) Training for Trainers course in February 2026; applications are now open.
The course supports national priorities to ensure workforces are confident and competent in responding to mental health needs. Places are limited to 12 participants across Scotland and are prioritised for those working in:
- health and social care (including emergency responders and community pharmacy)
- frontline supporters, including those working in:
- debt and money advice, housing and homelessness, violence against women and girls, community justice, and addictions services
- transport (eg. bus and taxi drivers)
- hospitality and retail (including hairdressers and barbers), leisure, fitness and sport
- those working with specific minority group such asylum seekers and refugees, Gypsy Traveller groups, care experienced people, and other minoritised groups
- education (including higher and further education, counsellors, and youth work)
- third sector agencies, including voluntary and community groups and organisations, and charities
To be eligible for a place, applicants must:
- have already completed the 2 day SMHFA course within the last 12 months, and be able to provide dates of when this was undertaken (please note the course must have been completed prior to application)
- be available and must attend all dates of the online 5 day course:
- Monday 16 February 2026
- Tuesday 17 February 2026
- Wednesday 18 February 2026
- Wednesday 25 February 2026
- Thursday 26 February 2026
Please note that the course is intensive, and participants will need to be free of other commitments during the time allocated to complete any required development or skills practice elements of the course. Additionally, at this time this course will not give participants the skills to deliver the SMHFA 2 day course online. This delivery mode option is available for the Training for Trainers course only.
As there are only 12 places available across Scotland, there is an anticipated high number of applications. As a result, PHS are unable to provide feedback should your application be unsuccessful.
Key Dates
- The deadline for applications is Friday 30 January 2026. (Any applications not fully completed or submitted after the closing date will not be considered.)
- Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 6 February 2026.
Those applying should ensure they keep note of the dates for the course, in the event they are successful in application.
To Apply and Further Information
To apply for a place on the course, please complete the online application form (linked for your convenience).
Alternatively, for further information or support, please contact the PHS team by email: phs.mhandsplearningresources@phs.scot
Leave a Reply