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Level 1 An Introduction to Working in Mental Health

Marketing Title
Level 1
Part-Time
BHSL1009 (2026/2027A)
17/09/2026
Format
10/12/2026
Format
Thursday - 9:30am till 12:30pm
Waterside Centre Accrington - St. James Court West, Accrington, BB5 1NA
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Course Information

Course Information
The aim of this programme is to introduce individuals to working in mental health as an option for sustained employment.

The programme is designed to allow the individual to understand what it takes to work in mental health, including associated services linked to Mental Health, such as Drug and Alcohol services. As part of the programme, learners will complete a number of short courses in a range of subjects to upskill in sector-specific topics to improve knowledge, skills and behaviours for the preparation of working in this area of healthcare/social care.

The design of the programme was in collaboration with a range of stakeholders to create a programme that would prepare learners for progression either to a higher level of education or into sustained employment. As part of the programme, you will have the opportunity to meet organisations within the sector and we will support you both with placement opportunities and preparation in the application and interview process.

As this programme is aimed at progressing individuals towards employment within the service, placement opportunities will also be available in a range of healthcare and adult social care environments to give you a taste of what it is like to work in the service.
Over the course of the programme, learners will complete a main aim and a series of shorter subject specific subjects alongside, developing knowledge in the following areas:

Award in Mental Health Awareness
Be aware of what is meant by mental health 
Be aware of some of the social and personal effects of mental ill-health. 
Be aware of some of the responses to mental health issues. 
Be aware of cultural diversity in relation to mental health issue
Award in Personal & Social Development
Drug awareness
Alcohol awareness
Award in Introduction to Mentoring
Introduction to the Mentoring Relationship
Understanding Mentoring
Employability Skills, including application and interview preparation
Learners attend weekly sessions and engage in learning activities to support the learning outcomes. Progressing each week, learning will be structured towards completing both individual and group activities to increase knowledge and understanding which will be assessed using a range of methods.

Further support and learning can be accessed through supported research, with links to a range of activities, resources and further reading links.
In order to attend the course, learners should be able to follow verbal and written instructions in English at Entry 3 and above. Learners would also benefit for a basic level of IT skills to be able to access resources and research activities, although this is not essential.

All learners will complete an initial assessment (BKSB or similar) prior to the course to measure literacy and numeracy skills to ensure the course is at the right level, as well as a skills, knowledge and behaviour questionnaire to ensure you’re on the right course for your current ability.
Regular submission of work that will be assessed and reviewed weekly.
Learners will receive feedback in order to further develop their knowledge
Learners will assess their knowledge at the start of the course and again at the end against the learning outcomes. This allows them to identify how much they have learnt and where they might need to do further study or research.
Learners will also be supported to set an individual target(s) for the course based on starting points, personal goals and career aspirations.
Learners accessing online assessment can view their progress in the progress bars on each course, indicating what has been completed and what is still to submit.

Course Work

Learners will complete work associated with the course/qualification they are undertaking. There are assessment packs for each unit, with a variety of activities and exercises for the individuals to complete throughout the course. Case studies, research activities and practical skills will also be used to assess learners throughout the programme. Some multiple-choice exams may also included in some of the subjects studied.
As part of the programme, you may be exposed to a range of organisations from the mental health, drug and alcohol services who will present their organisations and reflect on what it is like to work in the services, together with placement opportunities and any current vacancies.

We will support you in your preparation for applying for roles within the sector with expert support towards interview and progression into employment.

We will encourage you to take up placement opportunities, available with a range of organisations in a range of settings which can support you in your progression into employment. Placements can be planned to suit the individuals’ pathway choice and can also be used as a working interview.

As part of the programme, we will also fund the application of an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) Certificate, the mandatory requirement for working in any health or care environment. We will also fund the upgrade to the online updates service for the first 12 months once your certificate arrives.
Following completion of this course the following progression option(s) are available:

Progression into employment as a support worker/outreach worker or similar in a range of settings, volunteering opportunities also available.
Progression to level 2 programmes which include:

Certificate in Health and Care Professions
Certificate in Mental Health Awareness
Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
Award in Substance Misuse (RQF)
Certificate in Counselling Skills
Certificate in Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent
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