Mental Health and Wellbeing Award at SCQF levels 4 and 5

Half of mental health problems in adulthood begin before the age of 14, and by the time they are 16 roughly three children in every class will experience a mental health problem. When it comes to finding help for mental health only a quarter of young people know where to go.

In addition, the stigma attached to mental health frequently can stop individuals from seeking help because they feel embarrassed or are fearful of being judged.

These qualifications therefore aim to address gaps in knowledge and to improve understanding of mental health questions.

These Awards in Mental Health and Wellbeing support the Scottish Government’s Mental Health Strategy 2017–2027. Its guiding ambition for mental health is simple but, if realised, will change and save lives:

'We must prevent and treat mental health problems with the same commitment, passion and drive as we do with physical health problems.'

Delivery

These Awards can be offered in the following modes:

• full-time
• part-time (eg day-release)
• open and distance learning
• infill into existing classes
• evening provision

The Awards are suitable for:

• learners who are at school or who may have just left school
• mature candidates who may have been out of education for a long period of time
• individuals who are currently in employment and wish to obtain a formal qualification
• learners who want to study at a pace and style that they determine
• employees who want to improve their knowledge and understanding of mental health and wellbeing
• individuals who are seeking national recognition of their achievements
• employers who wish their employees to take part in short, continuing professional development courses

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

The level 5 award could provide progression to:

• SCQF level 6 / QCF level 3 qualifications
• an NC in Health and Social Care
• an SVQ 2/Modern Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare
• employment in the care sector

These Awards provide opportunities to develop:

• Core Skills (which underpin all National Certificates)
• transferable skills

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will have to come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Guide to Approval.

The delivery of the award is at the individual centre’s discretion.