Free Online Courses
September is here, and if you’re anything like us, you’ve got an urge to stock up on stationery and polish your shoes. But it doesn’t have to just be the kids heading back to school… enrol yourself on one of these fantastic free online courses and get learning! Some of these courses might be helpful if you are a volunteer at Link Visiting*.
COVID-19: Psychological First Aid
Public Health England | Duration: 3 weeks | Weekly study: 1 hour
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is the globally recommended training for supporting people during emergencies and offers guidance on delivering psychosocial care in the immediate aftermath of the emergency event.
On this course, you’ll explore the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and what you can do to help people cope. The course will teach you the key principles of giving psychological first aid in emergencies.
This course has been produced by Public Health England and is based on international guidance from the World Health Organisation, United Nations and partners.
Diploma in Mental Health
Alison | Duration: 10-15 hours
Learn about mental health awareness and how to manage your mental well-being with this free online course.
This free online mental health course will be beneficial for all learners as research shows that one in four experience some form of mental health issues during their lifetime, which not only affects the individuals concerned but also their families and friends. You will learn about the issues of stigma and discrimination, as well as discuss the importance of the promotion of mental well-being. You will get a certificate after completing an assessment.
Dealing With Grief, Loss, and Dying During COVID-19
NHS | Duration: 4 weeks | Weekly study: 2 hours
Explore how we’re experiencing death during COVID-19 and learn how to help bereaved individuals to process their experiences.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many of our assumptions about how to navigate loss. For many, the kaleidoscope of conflicting feelings – grief, guilt, anger, anxiety, regret – is heightened.
This free course will introduce you to the key skills and principles required to provide effective, safe, and helping responses to anyone dealing with loss during this time.
Understanding Anxiety, Depression and CBT
University of Reading | Duration: 5 weeks | Weekly study: 3 hours
Improve your understanding of depression and anxiety and find out more about an effective and evidence-based treatment: CBT.
On this five-week course from the University of Reading, you will explore what it means to have anxiety or depression and how they are identified. The course will also demonstrate the leading evidence-based treatment–Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
The Many Faces of Dementia
University College London | Duration: 4 weeks | Weekly study: 2 hours
Gain a unique insight into dementia through the stories, symptoms and science behind four less common diagnoses.
In this online course, you’ll discover key issues in dementia care and research. You’ll explore four less common forms of dementia, through the eyes of people affected by them. World-leading experts at UCL will show how research into the signs, stages, symptoms and causes of these forms can bring us closer to defeating dementia.
Digital Wellbeing
University of York | Duration: 3 weeks | Weekly study: 3 hours
What is the impact of digital technology on our health, relationships and society? How do we ensure our own digital wellbeing? Explore the answers to these questions and more with this course.
You will investigate new and established technologies and their impact on society, looking at the positives and negatives of engaging with technology.
You will also learn how to ensure your own digital wellbeing, exploring: how to balance online and offline activities, how to stay safe physically and virtually, strategies for dealing with information overload and creating a positive digital identity.
*These courses are not affiliated with The Link Visiting Scheme, and we are not responsible for their content.