Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of the Mental Health Care Worker

Every year, approximately 1.8 million people receive mental health treatment. With this in mind, it is vital to support mental health care workers to be able to provide ethical, person-centred care to their patients, and in turn, protect their own physical and mental well-being. This course will equip you with a detailed understanding of mental health and mental health issues, the principles of the mental health care worker, approaches to care and management and the duty of care in adult health and social care, and change and support in relation to mental health.

  • Eligibility

    • If you are aged 19-23 you would be fully funded if you have previously achieved a full level 2 and are unemployed. If you do not meet both these criteria, you are not eligible for our funding
    • If you are aged 24 + you would be fully funded if you are unemployed whether receiving benefits or not
    • If you are working but earning less than £25,642.50per year, are aged 19 – 23 and have achieved a full Level 2, you will be fully funded
    • If you are working but earning less than £25,642.50 per year and are aged 24+, you will be fully funded.


    To access this course you will need:

    • Basic understanding in ICT
    • English literacy proficiency at Level 1 or above
    • Access to a reliable desktop or laptop computer and internet connection

  • Cost

    Free *subject to meeting eligibility criteria*.

  • Qualification

    Certificate in Principles of Mental Health Care Worker

  • Level

    Level 2

  • Duration

    8-12 weeks

  • Timings

    This is a distance learning course where you study at times that suit you.

  • Delivery Location

    Fully online

Download fact sheet as a PDF

Next Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of the Mental Health Care Worker course starts on:

  • Date: Start any time
  • Location: Fully online
  • Delivery type: Online

    Enquire now

    • Find out more about the course

    Who is it for?

    This qualification is aimed at anyone looking to develop their understanding of mental health and the role of the mental health care worker. This qualification covers the skills and knowledge needed to understand approaches to care and management in mental health, the duty of care, and the principles a mental health care worker is required to have. This course is ideal for learners who wish to increase their awareness and understanding of mental health and the role of the mental health worker. Anyone who currently works in the health and social care sector and wishes to progress their career would benefit from this course, as well as anyone who is looking to work in the sector.

    Benefits of this course?

    • Gain a nationally recognised qualification
    • Create a long-standing career pathway in a variety of business environments
    • Courses are delivered as a distance learning, allowing learners to choose when and where to study
    • Personal tutors are assigned to ensure learners have the support needed to succeed.

    Course summary

    Unit 1: Mental Health and Mental Health Issues

    In this unit, you will learn about an outline of mental health, including the concept as a whole, including physical and mental well-being, the common types of mental health problems and illnesses, including anxiety and depression, and the legislation and guidance that applies to those with mental health problems, including the Mental Capacity Act and the Care Act.

    Unit 2: Principles of the Mental Health Care Worker

    This unit will teach you the roles and responsibilities of the care worker, including those in relation to standards and practices, records and legislation and duty of care. You will also learn more about the importance of personal development plans and SWOT analysis in continuous professional development, using feedback, and reducing stress, as well as using the Mental Capacity Act and codes of practice when working in care.

    Unit 3: Approaches to Care and Management in Mental Health

    Within this unit, you will understand the features of the care planning process, including local standards of care, the stepped approach to care, and key interpersonal skills. You will also learn about aspects of good practice including risk assessments, mental health assessments, and the role of key agency professionals in relation to the care process.

    Unit 4: Understand Duty of Care in Adult Health and Social Care

    This unit will enable you to understand the importance of duty of care, and how it influences health and social care practice, including whistleblowing policy and legislation. You will also learn about what must happen when a dilemma occurs in relation to the duty of care, recognising and reporting unsafe practices such as staff shortages and unsafe equipment, examining workplace culture and abuse, and what is considered valid consent.

    Unit 5: Understanding Change and Support in Relation to Mental Health

    In this unit, you will learn about different factors that can cause mental health change to occur, and key areas in which individuals benefit from support. They will also learn how others can support the individual to recover, including unpaid carers, advocates and interpreters, and they will learn about the types of medication and therapy available to manage mental health problems and other resources that are available to support good practice.