Mental Health Awareness Course Online | Level 2 Certificate
Build a genuine, nationally recognised understanding of mental health with the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems. Study 100% online, at your own pace, with full tutor support from High Ridge Training.
Understand Mental Health, Properly and Nationally Recognised
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems is an online mental health awareness course designed to build real, working knowledge of mental health and a wide range of common mental health conditions. Across 13 units, you will explore what causes each condition, the impact it can have on individuals, families and communities, and the treatment approaches and support pathways used to help people manage them.
This qualification suits anyone who wants to build genuine mental health awareness, whether that is for a role in health and social care, education, HR, or simply to better understand and support the people around you. It is a knowledge only qualification studied entirely online, with due care given to how sensitive topics are delivered throughout.
Who This Mental Health Course Is For
- Anyone who wants a clearer understanding of mental health and mental ill health
- People working in health and social care
- Teaching assistants and other education staff
- HR professionals and workplace wellbeing leads
- Anyone supporting someone experiencing mental health challenges, at work or at home
What You Will Learn
The course gives you a core understanding of mental health and mental ill health, along with the social, legal and historical context around mental health care. You will build knowledge of a wide range of specific mental health conditions, their causes, and how they affect individuals, families and communities, together with the treatment approaches and support pathways used to help people manage them.
Course units
This qualification is made up of 13 mandatory units, giving you breadth across the mental health conditions most people encounter in daily life or professional practice.
Course Duration and Study Format
| Awarding organisation | NCFE CACHE, Ofqual regulated |
|---|---|
| Study format | 100% online, self paced, through our secure e-portfolio platform |
| Course access | Up to 6 months from enrolment |
| Guided learning hours | 160 hours |
| Total qualification time | 160 hours |
| Credit value | 16 credits |
| Entry requirements | Minimum age 16, no prior qualifications needed |
How you are assessed
You will build a portfolio of written evidence against each unit's learning outcomes. A qualified assessor reviews your work and gives feedback within 7 days of submission, with internal quality assurance keeping every decision fair and consistent. Work is graded pass or not yet achieved, so there is no exam, just steady progress against an agreed submission schedule. Due care is given to learner wellbeing throughout, given the sensitive nature of some of the topics covered.
This qualification is endorsed by CIMSPA, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, adding recognised professional weight to your certificate.
Where This Mental Health Qualification Can Take You
This certificate is a strong foundation for further study and career progression in health, social care and wellbeing. It leads naturally into:
- Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice and Guidance
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working with People with Mental Health Needs
- Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health
- Level 3 Award in Counselling Skills and Theory
- Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills
- Level 2 or 3 qualifications in Adult Social Care
It also supports progression into roles such as support worker, care assistant, mental health support worker and teaching assistant, and is valuable CPD across education, healthcare, HR and public service. Explore all of our professional development qualifications or view our full range of funded apprenticeships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a background in health or care to start this course?
No. This mental health awareness course is designed for anyone wanting to build their understanding, whatever their current role or experience. There are no entry requirements beyond being 16 or over.
Is this course suitable if I want to support my own family or community?
Yes. Many learners take this course for personal reasons as well as professional ones, and the knowledge applies just as well to supporting people close to you.
How is sensitive content handled during the course?
We give due consideration to learner wellbeing throughout, and you will have ongoing pastoral support alongside your tutor support if any of the material feels difficult to work through.
How long do I have to complete the course?
You have up to 6 months of access and study at your own pace, with an agreed submission schedule to help keep you moving forward.
Is this qualification nationally recognised?
Yes. It is an NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate regulated by Ofqual, and it is also endorsed by CIMSPA, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.
Does completing this course qualify me to give clinical advice?
No. This is an awareness level qualification that builds understanding and knowledge. It is not a clinical or therapeutic qualification, though it works well as a first step toward further counselling or mental health study, such as the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health.
Start Building Your Mental Health Knowledge Today
Join High Ridge Training and gain a nationally recognised, Ofqual regulated qualification in mental health awareness, studied entirely online and at your own pace.
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