Build your understanding of children and young people’s mental health with a free online Level 2 course.
You’ll explore mental health in context, factors that may affect wellbeing, behaviours that could indicate concern, the impact of mental health difficulties and the support services available.
The course is suitable for parents, carers, education staff and adults in childcare, youth or support-focused settings. It can also support CPD or further study.
Free for eligible learners. Certificate included on completion.
This course may be fully funded for eligible learners through the Adult Skills Fund.
Availability can depend on your location, eligibility and current funding options.
Support children’s mental health in 6–12 weeks.
Gain a nationally recognised, accredited Level 2 qualification.
Fully funded for eligible adults through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF).
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
This course is made up of manageable units that explore children and young people’s mental health in context, factors that may affect wellbeing, common mental health concerns, their possible impact and the support available.
There are no exams. You’ll complete assessment questions based on the knowledge you have gained from the course units below.
Understand what is meant by mental health, how attitudes have changed over time and the legislation and guidance that support children and young people.
Explore the personal, family, social and environmental factors that may affect mental health, including puberty, development, identity, bullying and abuse.
Understand behaviours or changes that may indicate concern and explore common mental health conditions affecting children and young people.
Explore how mental health difficulties can affect a child or young person, their family, education, relationships and future wellbeing.
Understand mental health promotion, person-centred approaches, professional services and the support available to children and young people.
This free online children’s mental health course introduces the factors that can affect the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
You’ll explore how mental health is viewed in society, developmental and environmental risk factors, behaviours that may indicate concern, common mental health conditions and the impact difficulties can have on young people and those around them.
The course also covers person-centred approaches, mental health promotion and the services and professional support that may be available.
It is suitable for beginners and does not require previous mental health training. You’ll study online with tutor support and complete assessment questions based on the course units. There are no exams.
On successful completion, you’ll gain a recognised Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health.
This course is suitable for adults who want to:
Learn in confidence with support from a qualified tutor throughout the course.
Join thousands of learners in growing both professionally and personally.
1 in 6 children aged 5-16 likely to have a mental health problem.
Source: The Children’s Society
Your 3 simple steps to qualification…
You can begin your stress-free journey to qualification by completing the short form on this page.
Once submitted, we’ll instantly match you with a relevant training provider based on your location to complete your enrolment.
Enjoy a flexible and engaging learning experience through an award-winning online platform with support from a qualified tutor.
You can access first-class resources, interactive case studies, and support tools. All available on any device, anytime.
Your nationally recognised level 2 certificate proves you’ve developed essential new skills and in-depth knowledge. The qualification is accredited by either NCFE or TQUK, depending on your location.
It’s a powerful personal achievement that boosts confidence, enhances employability, supports CPD and opens the door to further study or career progression.
This course can be a useful first step for adults interested in:
The qualification may support awareness, personal development and CPD. It does not qualify you to diagnose or treat mental health conditions or practise as a counsellor, therapist, psychologist or mental health practitioner.
Specific job roles may require further qualifications, professional registration, experience, safeguarding training or employer checks.
Watch recent video testimonials from our learners.
This course is fully funded for eligible learners in England through the UK Government’s Adult Skills Fund.
Your course will be delivered online by one of our approved training provider partners, depending on your location.
Last year, we helped over 140,000 people enrol on free courses. Start yours today…
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*View visa restrictions
Funding isn’t available for Skilled Worker visas, Student visas, Graduate visas, Sponsorship (skilled/seasonal) visas, or any visa with a study restriction.
If this applies, you won’t be eligible for funding.
Start Your Enrolment
Yes, the course is free for eligible learners. Funding depends on your location, individual eligibility and current Adult Skills Fund availability.
Yes. You’ll study online and receive support from a qualified tutor throughout the course.
Yes. When you successfully complete the course, you’ll receive a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health.
Yes. The course leads to a recognised Level 2 qualification awarded by TQUK or NCFE, depending on your location and training provider.
The course covers children and young people’s mental health in context, risk factors, developmental changes, mental health concerns, their possible impact and the support available.
Yes. You do not need previous mental health training or professional experience to apply.
No. The course does not qualify you to diagnose or treat mental health conditions or practise as a counsellor, therapist, psychologist or mental health practitioner.
The course may support CPD and awareness in childcare, education, care, youth or support-focused settings. It does not guarantee employment or replace role-specific qualifications, experience or checks.
The course covers topics relevant to social, emotional and mental health, including risk factors, mental health concerns and available support. It is not a specialist SEMH practitioner qualification.
No. This course builds awareness of children and young people’s mental health. It does not teach counselling practice or qualify you as a counsellor.
No. This is a Level 2 qualification focused on understanding children and young people’s mental health.
Learners specifically looking for Mental Health First Aid should view the separate Mental Health First Aid course.
No. This is not NHS or CAMHS professional training. It introduces children and young people’s mental health, support services and person-centred approaches.
No. You’ll complete assessment questions based on the knowledge gained from each course unit.
The course usually takes 6 to 12 weeks, based on around 5 to 10 recommended study hours each week.
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TQUK qualifications are delivered by The Skills Network.
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