iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health Awareness
Course Overview
This qualification gives learners a grounded understanding of mental health – what it is, what can go wrong, how it affects people day to day and how to offer safe, informed support.
It explores specific mental health conditions, the impact of poor mental health, self management and support strategies, and the key laws and rights that sit around mental health care in England.
It is a knowledge only qualification. There is no requirement to be working in a care role, and all assessment is portfolio based – no exams.
Who Is This For?
Suitable for:
Health and social care staff
Education and support workers
Volunteers or support roles in community settings
Anyone who wants a solid baseline understanding of mental health
Age ranges:
Pre 16
16 to 18
19 plus
What You Cover
You complete five mandatory units (14 credits in total). These build a complete picture from basic principles through to law and rights.
(A/617/6476 – 3 credits, 25 GLH)
You will cover:
What is meant by phobia, depression, postnatal depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, eating disorders and agoraphobia
Signs and symptoms of common conditions, including the difference between feeling low and clinical depression
How these conditions feel from the individual’s point of view
Causes and risk factors for key conditions
How each condition can affect daily life and overall wellbeing
How other people’s attitudes and behaviour can make things better or worse
How postnatal depression can affect bonding between mother and baby and how prep before birth may help
The four most common types of dementia in England
Common eating disorders and how to support and manage care for someone living with one
F/617/6477 – 3 credits, 25 GLH)
Focuses on real life impact:
How mental health problems affect day to day living
What is meant by stress, anxiety and panic attacks
Triggers and responses for stress, anxiety and panic
How stress can have both positive and negative effects
How anxiety can affect behaviour and functioning
Internal and external pressures that make coping harder
What negative thinking cycles are
Practical methods to cope with stress and anxiety
Positive activities that support better mental health
How to support people to keep up interests, social contact and community involvement
How to recognise and handle situations that cause stress, anxiety or fear
(K/617/6473 – 3 credits, 25 GLH)
Gives the foundation:
Definitions of mental wellbeing, mental health and mental ill health
Factors that promote and protect mental health and wellbeing
Causes of mental health conditions
How biological, psychological and social factors interact in mental health
Social, personal and economic impact of mental ill health
Approaches to preventing mental health problems
How mental health care has been viewed and delivered historically
How mental health care in England has changed over time
Social, cultural and media attitudes to mental health (including schizophrenia)
Stigma, myths and stereotypes and how they affect people
(M/617/6474 – 3 credits, 25 GLH)
Very focused on support and practice:
Strategies and self help approaches for people living with:
Phobias
Postnatal depression
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Why families, friends, carers and social networks matter for ongoing support
How conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, eating disorders and phobias affect those close to the person
Medical and non medical interventions available for common conditions
The role of self, others and services in:
Promoting positive mental health
Helping people cope with stress
Recovering from an eating disorder
Local mental health and wellbeing resources and treatments
How to signpost individuals, families and carers to further help and guidance
(T/617/6475 – 2 credits, 15 GLH)
Covers the legal side:
Key legislation related to mental health
How the law affects the care provided
Rights of people experiencing mental health problems
Rights under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 2007
Consent to treatment or care when capacity is in doubt
The role of advocacy and how advocates support people who cannot easily make or express decisions
Confidentiality and data protection in the context of mental health
When confidentiality may need to be breached for safeguarding reasons
Level: 2
Total Credits: 14
Guided Learning Hours: 115
Total Qualification Time: 140
Assessment: Portfolio of evidence
Grading: Pass
Learners build evidence against each outcome and assessment criterion in the units. Centres assess and internally quality assure the work, with external quality assurance from iCQ.
This qualification can support:
Progression into health and social care roles
Further study in adult care, mental health or related subjects
Stronger knowledge base for volunteering or community support work
It also sits well alongside wider care qualifications such as Level 2 Diploma in Care or Level 3 Adult Care if someone wants a stronger focus on mental health.
No formal entry requirements
Open to learners pre 16, 16 to 18 and 19 plus
Centres will usually complete an initial assessment to check the level is appropriate
Key Facts
Qualification title: iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health Awareness
QAN: 603/4694/2
Framework: RQF
Type: Occupational qualification (knowledge only)
Credits: 14
GLH: 115
TQT: 140
Age ranges: Pre 16, 16 to 18, 19 plus
Assessment: Portfolio of evidence
