Qualification Structure

The NOCN Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness is a regulated UK qualification awarded by NOCN. The qualification carries 1 credit, with a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 5 hours, including 5 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the NOCN Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with NOCN assessment and quality assurance requirements to ensure that the required knowledge and understanding of mental health awareness are demonstrated.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete the 1 mandatory component.

Core Study Units

Unit 1: Mental Health Awareness

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• Understand the concept of mental health and the factors that can influence mental wellbeing.
• Understand the impact of mental health on individuals and society.
• Understand the support available for people experiencing mental health difficulties.
• Understand foundational strategies for developing and maintaining mental health and resilience.
• Understand how mental health awareness can contribute to supporting individuals and promoting positive mental wellbeing.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The NOCN Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness is designed for individuals who want to develop a structured understanding of mental health, mental wellbeing and the factors that can affect wellbeing. It is suitable for learners seeking foundational knowledge for personal development, workplace awareness or further study.

• Learners developing mental health awareness: Suitable for individuals seeking a clear introduction to mental health and wellbeing.
• Workplace staff: Relevant for employees who want to improve their understanding of mental health within the workplace and recognise factors that may affect wellbeing.
• Individuals supporting others: Useful for those who want to develop greater awareness of mental health challenges, support options and positive wellbeing practices.
• Health and social care learners: Provides foundational knowledge that can complement further study in health, social care and mental health-related subjects.
• Community and voluntary sector workers: Appropriate for individuals whose roles involve interaction with people and require a greater awareness of mental wellbeing.
• International learners: Suitable for learners seeking a UK-awarded qualification that provides structured knowledge of mental health awareness, subject to local requirements for further study or professional use.
• Learners seeking further progression: Provides a foundation for continued learning in mental health-related subjects, including progression identified by NOCN towards the Level 3 Award in First Aid for Mental Health.

Career Opportunities

The NOCN Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness provides learners with a structured foundation in mental health, mental wellbeing and the factors that can influence an individual’s psychological wellbeing. The qualification develops awareness of mental health terminology, its impact on individuals and society, relevant sources of support, and approaches to maintaining positive mental wellbeing and resilience. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally seeking to strengthen their understanding of mental health for personal development, workplace awareness, further study, or progression into related health and social care learning.

Future Progression

The NOCN Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness provides learners with foundational knowledge that can support further learning and awareness-based roles across health, social care, community and workplace settings. The qualification develops understanding of mental health, mental wellbeing, factors affecting wellbeing, sources of support, and approaches to maintaining positive mental health and resilience.

Academically, learners may progress to further qualifications in mental health, health and social care, wellbeing, or related subjects, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can provide a useful foundation for continued study in areas such as mental health support, social care, healthcare and community services.

Professionally, this qualification can complement roles such as Care Assistant, Health and Social Care Support Worker, Community Support Worker, Residential Support Worker, Wellbeing Support Assistant, Youth Support Worker, Charity Support Worker and Community Outreach Worker, depending on the learner’s experience, additional qualifications and employer requirements. The knowledge developed through the qualification provides a foundation for understanding mental health and communicating appropriately about wellbeing and available support.