WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID AND WHY DO WE NEED IT?
Mental Health First Aiders work in a similar way to physical first aiders in that they are trained to spot the signs and symptoms of mental illness, or poor mental fitness, and offer support until professional or specialist help can be sought. They do not diagnose, and they are not therapists.
The 2017 government ‘Thriving at Work’ report states that poor mental health costs UK employers between £33 and £42 billion a year, and that workplace interventions to improve employee mental health yields a return on investment between £1.50 and £9.00 for every £1.00 spent.
95% of employees would rather call in sick with an excuse than admit to their manager that they have a mental health problem. This stops employers being able to understand the true picture. This clearly demonstrates the stigma that we know surrounds mental health, and the lack of parity in how physical illness is accepted in the workplace.
Starting the conversation about mental health supports overall well-being in an organisation, improves productivity, employee engagement and minimises the risk of discrimination and presenteeism. Helping others to understand mental illness starts to break down the barriers which stop your people seeking the help that they may need.
We offer a range of accredited training that is practical, interactive and evidence based by MHFA England.
Training
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS (Half day) Also available online
An introductory course designed to increase mental health awareness and provide an understanding of how to support wellbeing and challenge stigma.
On completion, delegates will receive a certificate of attendance and a manual to keep and refer to whenever they need it.
Learning takes place through a mix of presentations, group discussions and workshop activities. Numbers are limited to 25 people per course so that the instructor can keep attendees safe and supported while they learn.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID CHAMPION (one day)
An awareness and skills course which helps delegates to:
- Recognise the main signs and symptoms of common mental health issues
- Provide initial support
- Guide a person towards appropriate professional help
- Be mindful of their own wellbeing
- Develop an understanding of how they can create and maintain a healthier workforce or community
Learning takes place through a mix of presentations, group discussions and workshop activities. Numbers are limited to 16 delegates per course so that the instructor can keep attendees safe and supported while they learn. On completion, delegates will receive a certificate of attendance and a manual to keep and refer to whenever they need it.
MENTAL HEALTH First Aid (two days) - Also available online
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course which teaches how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis.
MHFA does not teach how to diagnose or to be a therapist, but just like physical first aid, it will teach to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis.
Adult MHFA courses are for everyone aged 16 upwards. Every MHFA course is delivered by a quality assured instructor who has attended an Instructor Training programme accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health and is trained to keep delegates safe and supported while they learn.
Learning takes place through a mix of group activities, presentations and discussions. Each session is built around a Mental Health First Aid action plan. Numbers are limited to 16 delegates.
This programme is now also delivered online through the MHFA (England) learning portal, you will receive a comprehensive manual and workbook, complete 4 blocks of independent learning, and attend 4 live sessions with 2 experienced instructors to complement and enhance your learning.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER (2-day accredited qualification)
Did you know? –50% of mental health issues are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24 –Only 1/4 of young people with a mental health issue get access to the treatment and care they need.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is a course for everyone who works or lives with young people aged between 8-18. You can learn how to support young people's mental health, provide help in an emergency and guide them towards the appropriate support. As an approved MHFA England Instructor Member we can deliver Youth MHFA training courses in your community or place of work.
