The Trustee Board for Hampshire County Scouts in 2023, mandated that all International Expeditions from Hampshire, must have leaders trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid.
After running this policy for the last two years, there has been many reports from leaders of how important that this course has been. Leaders have felt competent to handle emerging situations, whilst overseas, and then be able to bring in additional support as needed. This all has a positive effect and sensitive handling of mental health issues to our young people.
The Youth MHFA training is expensive, and each place on a course costs the County around £150. Whilst this was being provided free, in the recent review it was concluded that the cost to County (which is ultimately paid by all young people in the County), is too high. As a result, a fee for expeditions departing on or after 1st September is being introduced. This is still subsidised, as it is not the full amount.
| Expeditions Departing before 1st September 2026 | Attendee places are Free of Charge |
| Expeditions Departing on or after 1st September 2026 | £50 per attendee fee (charged to the expedition) |
The 2 day MHFA course is not designed to make you experts, but to enable you to have an understanding, to spot signs, and to be able to respond in the first instance, and to then draw in help and support from elsewhere.
The course is a very intensive course, and deals with all aspects of mental health, including difficult subjects such as suicide and death. Therefore, the course can only be undertaken by those 18 or over.
To book on to a course, please complete the MHFA Booking Form located at - https://hampshirescouts.typeform.com/to/L3VADSDS
You must be a leader on an International Expedition within Hampshire County Scouts to be accepted.
A copy of the Mental Health Policy can be downloaded below.
If you have any questions on the Youth Mental Health First Aid training or booking a place, please E-mail [email protected]
