This programme of work sought to upskill frontline staff and volunteers to better support mental
health in the community and help strengthen the VCFSE workforce.
In response to a specific expressed need from frontline workers in the sector, VAS was funded between Oct 2023-Dec 2025 to coordinate a programme of funded places for VCFSE frontline workers to attend MHFA England training courses. In this time over 500 workers from across the city and sector have completed the training, facilitated by a range of local MHFA England certified instructors. VAS also worked with learners to evaluate the training. This
work was funded by NHS Health Education England and Public Health Sheffield City Council and is a part of an expanding workstream at VAS focusing on VCFSE workforce wellbeing.
Photo credit to Julie White.
This two-phase programme has provided valuable insights into both the benefits and the limitations of current mental health training models for the VCFSE workforce.
It is clear that the opportunity to access accredited MHFA England training at no cost has been valued by participants, particularly by frontline workers who face growing demand and complexity in supporting people experiencing mental health challenges.
However, there is also rich learning from this work highlighting that, while MHFA England training offers a useful framework, it is not best-suited to the realities of the VCFSE context. There is a need for more flexible, locally grounded, and culturally relevant approaches to mental health workforce
development.
Equally significant is the ask for more peer support and reflective spaces. Participants emphasised that professional development that is meaningful for them goes beyond technical training. It
requires time, space, and facilitation to reflect, share, and learn with others who understand the pressures of frontline work.
Download the briefing below to read more, and see the recommendations that emerged.
Key Information
Further information and enquiries
Please contact Natasha Munoz, Head of VCFSE partnerships and opportunities N.Munoz@vas.org.uk