Become a Coach
HOW WOULD YOU REPLY IF A MATE SAID THEY WANT TO TAKE THEIR OWN LIFE?
1 in 3 people are struggling with their mental health. That's at least three players in a 5v5 scrim. Our mission is to embed someone in every esports team, guild, and society who can spot the signs of mental ill health and knows how to reach out.
Will you be there for a mate in need? Through our Movember funded Player CARE Psychological First Aid Training Programme, you can learn the essentials in how to respond if you're worried about a mate in just over 30 minutes. It might be the best use of half an hour you ever spend.
One in three young people are struggling with their mental health
One in seven 10-19 year olds has a diagnosed mental disorder
Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under the age of 50
FAQs
What will I have to do to become a Player CARE Coach?
Becoming a Player CARE Coach takes at least 35-minutes and typically around 1-hour to complete if you read all the supplementary materials. It can be accessed on demand via our Udemy course (here).
How heavy is this going to be?
Whilst the content can be a little heavy at times, we have tried to make it engaging, visual, and enjoyable too. There may be times when you are asked to reflect on your experiences or role play providing/receiving support. This can be triggering for some, but as a virtual programme, we encourage you to take breaks wherever needed. We're always looking for ways to improve and you'll be asked to give feedback on completion.
Is this mental health first aid?
No, our course is based on psychological first aid and whilst similar, there are differences. Psychological first aid is focused on providing practical support to people in crisis. Like mental health first aid, our course also provides information on understanding what mental health disorders are, the causes, treatments, stigma, and how you can start a conversation with a mate you're concerned about. We want to help you feel more comfortable and confident in having a relaxed conversation about mental health topics with your friends.
Can I do any further training with you?
Yes! We'd love you to become a Player CARE Coach Educator. Becoming a Player CARE Coach Educator takes between 20 and 50 hours to complete.
You are required to complete the Player CARE Coach training first.
Coach Educators also need to complete the mental health literacy modules.
Coach Educators are expected to engage in independent learning. Materials are provided.
You'll be expected to deliver/facilitate two sessions training and train a 12-16 Player CARE Coaches.
You will also complete supervised experience with one of our regional leads. This is two 15-minute follow up calls over the course of your studies to support you should you have any issues or questions arise after your training.
An assessed 500 word written reflection on your supervised delivery sessions is also required (formative feedback is available during your tutorials).
Can I use this as CPD?
Yes, you're welcome to add to your CV and if you email us (team@playaid.net) on completion, we will be happy to send you a certificate.
Our Player CARE Coach Programme has been validated by the University of Ulster. If you wish to receive formal certification from the University, you will be required to enroll through the University and pay their fees based on your personal situation and county of residence. If you're unconcerned by UCAS points and University accreditation, the training itself and certification from Play Aid is completely free. You will receive an invite to the Player CARE Coach Educator Course on completion of the free Player CARE Coach course.
Is this training for people in the United Kingdom only?
No! If you're aged 16 or over, play or are involved in online video gaming, have an internet connection, and want to be there to support your friends, teammates, or the wider community, you're welcome to take one of our courses. We run training sessions are various times across the week to allow for people from around the world to join. If you are in an individual in the UK, Ireland or Australia, course fees have been covered by the Men's Health Charity Movember. If you are attending in a professional capacity or outside of one of our funded countries, fees are applied.
What do I do if I have questions?
Email the team (team@playaid.net). We work Monday to Friday and will aim to respond within 48-hours.