We’re excited to share that we’ve launched our first CPD course, Practical Mental Health Skills for Outdoor Leaders. It’s a pragmatic CPD workshop for professionals who deliver outdoor recreational activities to a range of client groups, whether as lowland walks or challenging expeditions at elevation.
Our day-long workshop blends theory and practice to equip outdoor leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to sensitively and professionally support people who experience emotional or mental distress during an outdoor activity.
Practical Mental Health Skills for Outdoor Leaders is designed for people who are working toward or have qualified as an International Mountain Leader, Mountain Leader, Winter Mountain Leader, Hill & Moorland Leader and Lowland Leader. It’s worth 1 CPD credit for Mountain Training Association (MTA) members and 1 Core CPD credit for BAIML members.
How we developed this CPD course
The idea for Practical Mental Health Skills for Outdoor Leaders was born in late 2023, and we began to develop it in early 2024. In April, we ran the idea past trainer extraordinaire Mike Raine, who encouraged us to forge ahead and who has been a tireless source of support throughout.
We then “road tested” the course with a group of volunteers in June. This included Mike, Katherine Wills of Active First Aid and author of Outdoor First Aid, Belinda Buckingham of the MTA, Honesty Lewis from RAW Adventures, and Mountain Leaders Rob Nicholson, David Walker, and Jimbo Perkins. We thank them for their feedback and enthusiasm. We’d also like to thank Rob and Fiona of Plas Coch Guest House for providing the training space, delicious homemade goodies, and refreshments.
Following the integration of this feedback, the course is now available from September 2024. Please see our Events page for upcoming course dates.
Future editions of Practical Mental Health Skills for Outdoor Leaders
The current edition of Practical Mental Health Skills for Outdoor Leaders was developed for the walking, hillwalking and mountaineering community. In 2025, we’ll launch an accredited edition aimed at professionals who deliver other outdoor recreation and nature-based wellbeing activities.