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Understanding Mental Health
Level
3
15–25 weeks
Ready to take your knowledge further?
Our NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health gives you a deeper insight into mental health and wellbeing across different life stages. You’ll explore mental health legislation, available services, public attitudes, and treatment options, while developing the skills needed to support individuals within the health and social care sector.
With 75% of mental ill health beginning before the age of 18, and 1 in 4 people in the UK experiencing a mental health disorder each year, this course provides the knowledge and confidence to make a lasting impact. Whether you’re looking to progress in your career, strengthen your professional practice, or create a more supportive environment for those around you, this flexible course is designed to help you step up to the next level.
Eligibility criteria
You must be either unemployed or in employment but earning below the low wage threshold of £25,750 or are aged 19–23 with a prior attainment below level 3 to be eligible to undertake this free online course.
*Other eligibility criteria may apply
Course title: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health
Course ref: 601/8968/X
This qualification helps you:
- Explain key concepts of mental health and mental wellbeing across different contexts
- Describe how legislation, services, and public attitudes towards mental health have evolved over time
- Identify ways to support mental wellbeing through different stages of life
- Recognise types of mental ill-health, available treatment options, and potential consequences
- Demonstrate understanding of the core skills required to work effectively in mental health services
- Apply in-depth knowledge of mental health to support progression into employment within the health and social care sector
- Unit 1: Understanding the context of mental health and wellbeing
- Unit 2: Promotion of mental health and wellbeing
- Unit 3: Mental health problems: associated issues and consequences
- Unit 4: Understanding mental ill health
- Unit 5: Working in mental health
No exams required — you'll complete assessment activities that demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
Successful learners often progress to:
- Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
- Level 3 Award in Awareness of the Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
- Level 3 Certificate in Working in the Health Sector
This course is also a great step toward careers in:
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Healthcare Assistant (especially in mental health settings)
- Counsellor Assistant or Counselling Support Worker
- Social Care Worker
- Youth Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Education Support Staff (e.g., pastoral or SEN roles)
- Volunteer roles
This course may be fully funded through the Adult Skills Fund if not we have self-funding options available.
Why learn with CT Skills?
Maximise learning & development budgets
Employers can improve retention, morale, and CPD outcomes.
80% achievement rate
Achieve a nationally recognised NCFE CACHE qualification.
Dedicated tutor support
Expert guidance every step of the way.
Achieve in as little as 15–25 weeks
By committing 5–10 hours per week.
I found this course very insightful and gained a lot of knowledge about mental health. It was really interesting and I enjoyed doing the course.
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Going on to achieve the Level 3 qualification gave me a sense of pride and it furthered my understanding of Mental Health and working within mental health. I can now figure out how I can support others alongside tools I already have in my experience bank.
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It has helped me understand how to be mindful of symptoms in children and will help me as my son grows up.
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It has given me the knowledge that I was missing. I am now able to give information to parents and their network and strategies to help them. I am also able to pass on that knowledge to my colleagues.
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I now have a better understanding about mental health and how to approach it. I discovered that there is a lot of support available for people with mental health conditions. I feel I can now confidently help, support, and signpost colleagues.
Adult Skills Fund
This course may be fully funded through the Adult Skills Fund if not we have self-funding options available.
Use this search tool to check funding in your area.
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Eligibility Criteria:
- Aged 19 or over as of 31/8/25
- Living in England
- Not currently enrolled on any other government funded course or started another application for one
Please note: Not all areas of England are funded. You can use our postcode checker above to see if you are.
The most likely reason is that you live in a postcode area that we do not currently deliver funded courses in, but we do have a self-funded route. Please contact our customer service team to discuss via 0115 959 9544 or complete the contact form below.
Of course! We have options available to self-fund courses. Details can be found on each course page.
Level 2 courses typically take up to 10 weeks and Level 3 courses 15–25 weeks.
You will need to commit 5–10 hours study time each week to meet the course unit deadlines.
Yes – your qualification will be nationally recognised accreditation by NCFE CACHE and you will receive a certificate.
Once you've signed up, we'll check your details. As soon as everything is approved, your course will be unlocked. You'll get an automatic email to let you know it's ready. After that your tutor will send you a welcome email. They'll also invite you to a masterclass where you can meet them and get started.
Absolutely. Our courses can be offered via the adult skills fund if eligible, if not we have lots of options available to self-fund courses. Details can be found on each course page.