YMCA Awards Level 4 Mental Health
(YMCA Awards Level 4 Certificate in Delivering Physical Activity for Adults with Mental Health Conditions)
The aim of the course is to increase understanding of the relationship between exercise and physical activity and clinical benefits for mental health, this qualification aims to provide advanced exercise instructors with the skills and knowledge to work with patients and mental health professionals in the design, delivery and evaluation of safe and effective physical activity programmes.
The Qualification is an important step towards developing the confidence of mental health professionals regarding the expertise and integrity of exercise professionals in the development of collaborative and holistic treatment programmes for mental health conditions that include exercise and physical activity.
Course Content
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Eating disorders
- Other psychotic disorders
- Substance related disorders
During the qualification candidates will learn the following:
• Key mental health conditions
• Relationships between mental health, society and lifestyle
• Legislation and government policy relating to mental health
• The roles of national organisations relating to mental health
• Evaluation of the usefulness of a range of sources of information on mental health and its relationship to physical activity
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of a range of mental health interventions
• Roles and boundaries of the people involved in programming physical activity for individuals with mental health conditions
• Collect and analyse information about individuals with mental health conditions in relation to programming physical activity
• The benefits of physical activity for mental and physical health
• Appraise individuals with mental health conditions prior to programming physical activity
• Programme physical activity for individuals with mental health conditions
• Prepare for the delivery of physical activity programmes for individuals with mental health conditions
• Monitor physical activity programmes for individuals with mental health conditions
• Adapt physical activity programmes for individuals with mental health conditions
• Motivate and support individuals with mental health conditions
• Evaluate physical activity programmes for clients with mental health conditions
Pre-requisite
- Registration status of full level 3 Exercise Referral Instructor on CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport & Physical Activity)
- 150 hours of relevant professional practice at level 3 in designing, delivering, monitoring, adapting and tailoring exercise programmes for individuals gained within the previous 2 years and at least 6 months' experience since qualification (this should be reflected in a CV and reference letter)
Assessment and Certification
Theory test
Research worksheet
Analysis test
Knowledge questions
Programme design
Programme delivery evidence
Professional discussion
Evaluation of programme delivery
Please note for your case study you will be required to work with a client over a 12 week period.
Questions ?
We do have a dedicated page where we share and answer those questions we hear most often here
If you still can't find what you need we are always happy to hear from you if you require any further information on this or any of our other courses. Our quick and easy Contact page is here
Stephane Smith
Anna Sthesia
Petey Cruiser
