Mental Health Matters

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course which teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis.

Whilst we often think of physical first aiders, a MHFA offers support to people experiencing a mental health issue.

As with physical first aid, MHFA uses an action plan that the Mental Health First Aider can use to support another person. This course will not teach you to be a therapist or counsellor, but will give you the skills and confidence to reassure, listen and respond to a person with mental health issues, even in a crisis. 

Our courses are delivered by an MHFA England quality assured Instructor Member who has attended the MHFA England Instructor Training programme accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health and is also trained to keep people safe and supported while they learn.

What is mental health?

We all have mental health. But not all of us live with good mental health. Living with a mental ill health condition affects people in different ways. During the pandemic, many people report that their mental health has suffered with some experiencing symptoms of mental ill health, including anxiety.

Mental ill health conditions include anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and psychosis.

Would you know how to help someone?

We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Mental ill health affects people from all walks of life and can strike at any time.

Although people are talking about their mental health more, stigma still exists around mental ill health. This means that people may not know how to support someone experiencing a mental health issue or where to go to support their own mental health.

How many Mental Health First Aiders do I need?

Legislation is not yet in place. The Health and Safety Executive says:

To meet these recommendations and demonstrate that your organisations views on mental health as equally important to physical health, we recommend you consider your organisation structure and the demands of the workforce. For some organisations it may be worthwhile aiming to have as many Mental Health First Aiders as physical first aiders.

Some organisation begin by piloting Mental Health First Aiders in one area of the business to establish what works for them before rolling it our more widely.

Who should be a Mental Health First Aider?

The course is open to all, asking employees to apply for the training will help to recruit those within your organisation who are best placed for the role.

We would recommend:

• A wide range of individuals – encourage those that represent the diversity of your workforce, from seniority levels, genders and ethnic backgrounds.
  
• People who want to learn more about mental health – ensure they understand what the role involves and have considered their own wellbeing to decide if now is the right time.
  
• People who spend the majority of their working hours on site – meaning they can be called away from their normal duties at short notice if needed.
  
• People who can maintain confidentiality – those who can demonstrate an ability to keep information confidential and have an ability to relate well to others.

Do I legally require Mental Health First Aiders?

Legislation is not yet in place. The Health and Safety Executive says: