‘ It's the simple things you do first that start the process of help ’: Undergraduate nursing and midwifery students’ experiences of the Mental Health First Aid course

Background: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the initial help offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The MHFA course is a 12 h evidence-based course which teaches members of the general public to provide first aid assistance until the crisis resolves or the individual receives professional help. While the MHFA program does not teach people to provide a diagnosis or treat mental health conditions, it has been established as an effective tool in improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma and increasing helping behaviours. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of students who completed a tailored13-h version of this MHFA course specifically developed for undergraduate nursing and midwifery students.