The outdoor sector has always recognised the importance of keeping people physically safe, but mental health is now rightly receiving the same level of attention. Whether leading a mountain expedition, instructing a paddle sport session, working at an outdoor centre or supporting colleagues behind the scenes, outdoor professionals can find themselves responding to someone experiencing a mental health crisis.
This year, First Aid Training Co-operative is delighted to be delivering a dedicated workshop on Mental Health in the Outdoor Sector at the Institute of Outdoor Learning (IOL) Scotland Conference 2026. The conference brings together outdoor professionals from across Scotland to share ideas, share skills and develop best practice throughout the sector. Â
The workshop will be led by Cory Jones, co-founder of the First Aid Training Cooperative and an experienced outdoor professional and mental health trainer with more than 30 years of experience. Drawing on real-life situations, the session will explore how outdoor instructors, leaders and managers can recognise when someone may be struggling and, importantly, how to respond with confidence and compassion.
Working in the outdoors presents unique challenges. Staff often work in remote environments, spend long periods away from home, experience seasonal employment pressures and carry significant responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of others. Participants on outdoor programmes may also experience anxiety, panic attacks, isolation, depression or other mental health difficulties that require an appropriate and supportive response.
The workshop will examine practical approaches to managing mental health incidents involving both clients and colleagues. Participants will discuss how to recognise the early warning signs of someone in distress. Then they will work out how to start supportive conversations, maintain personal and group safety and understand the boundaries of an outdoor professional’s role. The emphasis will be on providing immediate support while helping individuals access appropriate professional support services where needed.
An important part of the session will also focus on suicide awareness. Although many people worry about saying the wrong thing, research consistently shows that asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts does not increase the risk. Instead, it can be the first step towards someone receiving the help they need. The workshop will cover recognising warning signs, having sensitive conversations and understanding the actions to take when someone may be at immediate risk.
The session is designed to be highly practical, giving delegates skills and confidence they can take back into their own organisations. Through discussion, scenarios and shared experiences, participants will gain a better understanding of how to support positive mental wellbeing while working safely in challenging outdoor environments.
If you are attending the Institute of Outdoor Learning Scotland Conference 2026, we would be delighted to see you there. Whether you are an instructor, guide, manager, volunteer or outdoor educator, the workshop will provide valuable insights into one of the most important aspects of caring for people in the outdoors today.
For more information about the conference and to book your place, visit: Institute of Outdoor Learning Scotland Conference 2026
Want to learn more about Mental Health First Aid?
The First Aid Training Co-operative runs a suite of private first aid courses that can be delivered at your choice of venue, at a time and date to suit you. We’ll come to you and tailor your course to suit your specific situation, based on one of the core course types that we have in our portfolio. We have a range of courses available for those looking to become Mental Health First Responders in the workplace, raise awareness of mental health amongst their staff plus specialist mental health training for outdoor professionals. Check out our mental health first aid course suite.
