Course Overview

The Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health is designed for learners who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of mental health and mental wellbeing. The qualification will also support progression into relevant employment within the health and social care sector.

As part of this course you will study five mandatory units:

UNIT 1 – Understanding the context of mental health and wellbeing

• Section 1 – Understand the range of current legislation that applies to mental health and how it has changed over time
• Section 2 – Understand the range of attitudes and perceptions of mental ill health
• Section 3 – Understand the current pattern and range of services for mental health problems and how these have evolved

UNIT 2 – Promotion of mental health and wellbeing

• Section 1 – Understand mental health and wellbeing in the different stages of life
• Section 2 – Understand how to support mental health and wellbeing

UNIT 3 – Mental health problems: associated issued and consequences

• Section 1 – Understand how mental health problems have social consequences for the individual, their family and society as a whole
• Section 2 – Understand the use/misuse of substances and alcohol in the context of mental health problems (dual diagnosis)
• Section 3 – Understand mental health problems in the context of offending and the criminal justice system
• Section 4 – Understand suicide and the prevention of suicide
• Section 5 – Understand self harm

UNIT 4 – Understanding mental ill health

• Section 1 – Understand a range of mental health conditions
• Section 2 – Understand the treatments and interventions available for a range of mental health problems
• Section 3 – Understand care planning in mental health services

UNIT 5 – Working in mental health

• Section 1 – Know how to develop the skills, knowledge and attributes necessary for working in mental health services
• Section 2 – Understand the roles and responsibilities of a care or support worker working in mental health
• Section 3 – Understand the roles of other professionals providing mental health services
• Section 4 – Understand how to use reflection in the development of skills, knowledge and practice

Assessment Methods

Assessments are due at the end of each unit. Your tutor will assess your work and build up your portfolio of evidence of learning. A certificate will be awarded on satisfactory submission of evidence of learning for the units studied.