First Aid for Mental Health

We all have mental health (emotional, physical & social well-being) and some of us will develop mental illness – a range of problems that involve changes to our thoughts, emotions and behaviour. They are treatable, and when problems are identified early, it is well documented that people recover quicker and with less impact on their work, schooling and families. (Mind UK)

1 in 4 people in the UK experiences at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any given year (NHS 2017). The Government’s mental health strategy for England, ” No health without mental health” acknowledges not only the personal cost of mental illness but also the huge cost of mental illness in the workplace to employers. (HSE)

Half of all mental health problems are established by the age of 14 years (NHS 2017). The Government, in its various publications outlines surveys, case studies and various strategies to address the growing demand for mental health support for young people in schools and colleges.

Sadly, there is still a stigma surrounding mental illness and a culture of fear and silence pervades our society when it comes to talking about mental illness, meaning that problems are not identified early, and access to professional and self-help resources is often delayed.

Thankfully, there is an abundance of research, documents, guidance and campaigns, published by the NHS, the Government and leading Mental Health Charities all strongly supporting the need for change when it comes to attitudes and support for Mental Health (eg The Thriving at Work Review 20107).

Mental Health First Aid Training offers the potential to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, to promote positive mental health and to provide valuable support and sign-posting to those affected by mental illness of all ages in schools, colleges and in any work-place setting.

The role of the Mental Health First Aider is explored in all 3 of the courses. Common to all 3 courses is the development of skills in recognising emergency situations, starting a supportive, non-judgemental conversation as well as being able to sign-post people to professional and self-help resources.

Mental Health First Aid training will equip delegates with enhanced listening and non-judgemental communication skills, as well as a tool kit to look after your own mental health and to support others.

The 1 and 2-day courses explore how to implement a positive mental health culture within your environment and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

A Mental Health First Aid course won’t train you to be a therapist or a counsellor- it will provide you with the skills to identify problems, start a supportive conversation and offer valuable, effective support to people of all ages struggling with a mental health problem. As well as making a difference to others, it will also provide you with strategies to maintain your own mental health and well-being.