Mental Health Training Programme 2026
Bolton's Learning and Development Service offer a number of free mental health and wellbeing training sessions for anyone who works or volunteers in Bolton.
Places are available on the following courses:
Connect 5
3 Days (24 November, 1 December, 8 December), 9:30am-2:30pm, Castle Hill Centre
Connect 5 is designed to upskill non-mental health staff to better understand and support poor mental health and hold effective mental wellbeing conversations in everyday practice. Connect 5 content provides an evidence-based collaborative toolkit that promotes psychological knowledge, understanding, awareness and the development of skills. It helps to empower people to take proactive steps to build resilience and look after themselves.
Understanding Depression
30 November 2026, 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Castle Hill Centre
A 3-hour training session providing an introduction to understanding depression, including the types, causes, symptoms, and support strategies. It equips participants with practical tools to recognise, manage, and support individuals experiencing depression. The session includes discussions, case studies, and practical exercises.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
2 Days (17 and 18 November 2026), 9:00am - 5:00pm, Claremont Church
ASIST is a two-day face-to-face workshop featuring powerful audio-visuals, discussions, and simulations. You'll learn how to prevent suicide by recognising signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive.
safeTALK Suicide Awareness Training
18 November 2026, 9:30am - 1:00pm, Castle Hill Centre
This half-day training in suicide alertness helps participants to recognise a person with thoughts of suicide. You will learn how to connect those with suicidal thoughts to resources that can help them in choosing to live. Participants don't need any formal preparation to attend the training. Anyone who wants to make a difference can learn the safeTALK steps.
Supporting People Experiencing Bereavement and Loss
3 November 2026, 1:30pm - 4:30pm, Bolton Hospice
This course provides a deeper understanding of loss, grief, and bereavement in adults. Explore how individuals may respond differently to loss and the factors that can influence the grieving process. Examine key theories of grief and develop supportive communication skills to help acknowledge and respond compassionately to those who are grieving.