The Scotland's Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) Instructor Course is a comprehensive training program designed to prepare individuals to teach the SMHFA course. Public Health Scotland are hosting the course online in February 2026.
The instructor training spans five days and is divided into two main parts: the Development and the Skills Practice Days. To take part you must be able to attend on all five days on 16 - 18 and 25 - 26 February 2026. The course is intensive, and participants will need to be free of other commitments during the time to complete any required development/skills practice elements.
Before attending the instructor training, participants must have completed the 12-hour SMHFA participant course within the 12 months prior.
The development three days, focuses on deepening understanding of the course content, exploring group dynamics, and enhancing presentation skills. Participants engage in activities that cover for example, learning styles and workshops on mental health topics such as psychosis and recovery.
The final two days, known as the Skills Practice Days, involve participants leading a section of the course to their peers. This hands-on practice helps build confidence and refine teaching techniques, with feedback provided by mentors and fellow participants.
Please note this course will not give participants the skills to deliver the SMHFA 2-day course online. This option of delivery method is available for the instructor course only.
There are 12 places available on the course. To take part you need to complete an online application form which must be submitted before 30 January 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by 6 February 2026.
More information can be found in the Additional Information booklet:
For any questions about the course, email: phs.mhandsplearningresources@phs.scot.
