The FETAC Level 6 Component Certificate in Mental Health Awareness takes place over 4 full days, usually 4 Saturdays in a row. Assessments and projects are due in 8 weeks after the first lecture day.

Classes are limited to 12 participants in order to maximize learning for all candidates. The course will be offered again in the summer months in Dublin and Galway.

The aim of this Level 6 FETAC Minor Award in Mental Health Awareness is to give attendees an in-depth understanding of mental health difficulties and to help them to apply this knowledge to support people who have mental health difficulties in a positive way. Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• acquire an understanding of the theoretical background associated with mental health issues 
• be aware of the moral, ethical and legal considerations associated with mental health
• be familiar with theories and types of mental illness 
• understand the positive and negative factors which may affect your mental health 
• apply this knowledge in the workplace and in everyday life 
• appreciate various treatment approaches.

As per the FETAC guidelines for The Level 6 Minor Award in Mental Health Awareness, this course comprises the following four units:  

1. What is Mental Health? 
2. The realities of Mental Illness 
3. Intervention and Treatment Approaches 
4. Recovery and Advocacy Options

• To build on and expand existing knowledge in relation to Mental Health within the group.
 
• To enhance confidence in participants in relation to their understanding of Mental Health Awareness and the different areas of Mental Illness. 
• To allow space and time for participants to look at intervention and treatment approaches for dealing with Mental health issues. 
• To equip participants with knowledge about recovery and advocacy options that are available

While there are no specific entry requirements, FETAC and The Learning Curve Institute have the following preferred entry requirements for this course:

Level 5 Certificate in an associated or relevant subject area, Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant life and work experiences.

There are two assignments required for successful completion of this FETAC Level 6 Mental health Awareness course.

1. Learner Record - 50% 2. Project - 50%

Learner Record: A personal journal will be compiled by candidates. It will include a record of how the candidate integrates the knowledge and understanding of mental health issues into their daily work. The journal should show a record of how the candidate recognises the symptoms and characteristics of mental illness, the impact of mental illness on the individual and how they integrated strategies to improve mental health and aid recovery.

Project: The project will require candidates to demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of the key learning outcomes. Candidates will be required to research a range of documents which will be supplied and integrate this knowledge and understanding into a comprehensive project.

Assessment Grading: Pass 50 - 64% Merit 65 - 79% Distinction 80 - 100%

The Learning Curve Institute offers a unique post-course support system whereby students are provided with the contact details of the lecturer and are free to contact him/her with any questions they may have or queries with which they would like the lecturers help.

You do not need to buy any books for this course. All materials for the FETAC Level 6 Mental Health Awareness course will be available for download from The Learning Curve Institute website. We will also supply a list of recommended reading and websites that you could consult for further reading if you wish.

Below are dates and venues for the FETAC Mental Health Awareness Component Certificate at Level 6 on The National Framework of Qualifications: