FAQ

Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based training programme that teaches people how to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, provide initial support and guide someone toward appropriate professional help.

The goal of the programme is to increase mental health awareness, reduce stigma and equip people across the Cayman Islands with practical skills to support family members, friends, colleagues, students and members of the community who may be experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.

No. MHFA does not train participants to become therapists or counsellors. It teaches people how to provide initial support until professional help or other supports can be accessed.

The programme is designed for adults from all backgrounds and professions. No prior mental health experience is required.

Mental health challenges affect individuals, families, workplaces, schools and communities. MHFA helps build a more informed, compassionate and supportive community by increasing confidence and reducing stigma around mental health.

Yes. MHFA programmes are internationally recognised and based on research and best practices in mental health education and early intervention.

Yes. We are a licensed MHFA country through MHFA International.

MHFA Cayman Islands is being managed and led by the Addison Kelly Mental Health Education Fund, which is a programme of the Alex Panton Foundation.

Yes it is. Any funds raised through the programme and by it go back into funding the education and continued development of MHFA.

Participants will learn:

• How to recognise signs and symptoms of common mental health challenges
• How to respond to someone in distress
• How to approach difficult conversations about mental health
• How to support someone experiencing a crisis
• How to encourage professional and self-help support
• How to respond in a non-judgmental and compassionate way

Topics may include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance use challenges
• Psychosis
• Trauma
• Panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• Self-harm
• Stress and burnout

All the MHFA Cayman Islands courses will be in-person courses.

The standard course is 12 hours – there are currently 2 options for completion:

• 2 Days, 6 hours per day
• 4 Days, 3 hours per day (usually taught in the evening)

Yes they will receive a certificate confirming their completion of the course which will be good for 2 years.

Participants for the standard MHFA course currently being offered must be 18 years old.

Not currently. It is planned to develop the youth programme once the standard programme is successfully being run and development of the youth programme can be developed.

The course is offered for corporate partners and they are encouraged to train as many of their staff as possible. There are programmes that will allow companies to have instructors come into their workplaces and conduct the course in-house.

The costs for individual community courses and for groups are detailed here (LINK TO COURSE COSTS PAGE)

Yes. Individuals that have financial challenges to do the course can do a simple application to have their course fee waived.

Please visit our courses page here (LINK TO COURSES PAGE)

Yes. We plan to offer to groups in the sister islands as well as regular open community courses.

Yes. If your company would like to schedule the training within your organisation please complete the form here (LINK TO COURSES PAGE) or email info@mhfacayman.ky

The course is an evidence-based 12-hour course, so the content does not change or customized. 

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MHFA training can help workplaces create a more supportive culture, improve mental health awareness, increase confidence in responding to colleagues in distress and contribute to employee wellbeing.

Yes. MHFA training encourages open conversations about mental health and helps people respond with empathy and understanding.

All industries can benefit, including:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Hospitality
• Financial services
• Government
• Emergency services
• Non-profit organisations
• Retail
• Construction

Yes. MHFA can be valuable for educators, administrators, parents and students, although the current course is offered for those 18 and older.

Yes. We are happy to have our instructors come to your facilities to train staff once there is an appropriate space to do so.

The group size for training is a maximum of 15 and ideally at least 10.

If someone is in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, contact emergency services immediately by calling 911.

No. MHFA teaches participants how to recognise possible signs and symptoms and respond supportively, not how to diagnose conditions.

MHFA training helps participants learn supportive communication techniques and build confidence in approaching conversations with empathy and care.

MHFA includes guidance on recognising warning signs, responding appropriately and encouraging immediate professional support when needed.

Some topics may feel sensitive or emotional. Instructors aim to create a safe and supportive learning environment.

No. Sharing personal experiences is always voluntary.

The programme aims to:

• Increase mental health literacy
• Reduce stigma
• Encourage earlier support-seeking
• Improve community confidence in responding to mental health challenges
• Build a more compassionate and connected community

People and organisations may be able to support the programme through sponsorships, partnerships, volunteering, advocacy or hosting training sessions.

Yes. We are currently developing a programme that will honour organisations who have their staff trained and commit to ongoing mental health awareness within their organisations.

Courses are taught by certified MHFA instructors who have completed specialised training. You can see all the instructors for MHFA Cayman here (LINK TO OUR INSTRUCTORS PAGE)

MHFA International has a fully developed 5-day training course that has been developed and improved over the 25 years since MHFA was launched. This training is led by our lead local instructor, Mr. Hylton Grace, who has been teaching MHFA for the past 5+ years.  

Yes we currently have 13 locally trained instructors.

Applications for instructors will be taken every 6-9 months as the course develops and applications will be vetted and approved by the MHFA Cayman Islands Advisory Council (LINK TO ADVISORY COUNCIL PAGE)

The programme aims to provide an inclusive, respectful and culturally relevant learning environment for all participants. The programme being taught here has been adapted specifically for the Cayman Islands.

Currently the course is only being offered in English.

Yes. Courses are designed for the general public and no prior experience is required.