• 1 in 6 people experience mental health problems in the workplace¹.
• Mental health issues account for approximately 7% of all staff sickness absences in the UK².
• The cost of poor mental health to UK employers is estimated to be between £53-£56 billion per year³.

Employers have a ‘duty of care’. This means you must do all you reasonably can to support the mental health, safety, and well-being of your employees.

‘Whether work is causing the health issue or aggravating it, employers have a legal responsibility to help their employees. Work-related mental health issues must be assessed to measure the levels of risk to staff. Where a risk is identified, steps must be taken to remove it or reduce it as far as reasonably practicable.’ (HSE, online)

What is Mental Health First Aid training?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training course designed to provide individuals with the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to offer initial assistance to someone experiencing a mental health crisis or struggling with a mental health issue. MHFA won’t teach you to be a counsellor or therapist, but it will help you to listen, reassure and appropriately respond, even in a crisis – and may even help to support someone in a way that can avert a crisis from happening.

In the same way we would provide first aid to someone with a physical injury, a mental health first aider can offer the same initial support using the skills and tools gained during training.

What’s its purpose?

The main goals of Mental Health First Aid training are:

• Improve Knowledge: Increase learners’ understanding of common mental health illnesses including the signs and symptoms.
• Reduce Stigma: The course works to reduce stigma surrounding mental health problems, encouraging open conversations, and creating a more supportive environment.
• Provide support: MHFA teaches learners how to approach, listen to, and communicate with someone experiencing a mental health crisis or distress.
• Appropriate resources: The training provides a guide to available mental health resources and services to enable mental health first aiders to help others access the appropriate care.
• Self-care: MHFA also emphasises the importance of self-care and stress management for both the person providing assistance and the person receiving it.

What are the benefits of being a Mental Health First Aider?

Becoming a Mental Health First Aider can have several benefits, both for you as an individual and for your workplace. Here are some compelling reasons to consider becoming a Mental Health First Aider for your organisation:

• Supporting Colleagues: As a Mental Health First Aider, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide initial support to colleagues who may be experiencing mental health challenges. Your presence can make a significant difference in their well-being and help create a more supportive work environment.
• Reducing Stigma: By openly discussing mental health and offering assistance, you contribute to reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues. Your role as a Mental Health First Aider can encourage open conversations and help create a culture of acceptance and understanding.
• Early Intervention: Mental Health First Aiders are trained to recognise early signs of mental health issues. Your timely intervention can help prevent a situation from escalating and provide an opportunity for the person to seek appropriate professional help.
• Enhancing Workplace Culture: Having Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace demonstrates that your organisation values the well-being of its employees. This can contribute to a positive workplace culture where employees feel supported and valued.
• Improving Employee Performance: Addressing mental health concerns can lead to improved employee well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity. When employees feel mentally well, they are more likely to be engaged and perform at their best.
• Skill Development: Becoming a Mental Health First Aider enhances your communication, listening, and empathy skills, which are valuable not only in your role as a first aider but also in your personal and professional life.
• Positive Impact: Being able to help someone in need and make a positive impact on their life can be incredibly rewarding. Knowing that you played a role in someone’s recovery or well-being can bring a sense of fulfilment.

We have seen first-hand the benefits this training provides and how it strengthens the overall well-being support for employees. Ouch, have been delivering a wide range of Mental Health training for a number of years and we deliver a variety of courses certificated by MHFA England including:

• Mental Health First Aid (Adult)
• Mental Health Champion (Adult)
• Mental Health Awareness (Adult)
• Mental Health First Aid Refresher (Adult)
• Mental Health First Aid (Youth)
• Mental Health Awareness (Youth)

We also deliver a specific course for professional drivers approved by the DVSA. The course qualifies for 7 CPC hours.

• Drivers CPC Mental Health & Wellbeing Awareness

Last year MHFA England launched the new Mental Health First Aid course that also comes with ‘a unique and unrivalled support package for Mental Health First Aiders’ (MHFA England, September 2022). This includes 24/7 digital support through the MHFAider Support App® which has a resource library full of toolkits, guidance, and animations. The app will also have a 24/7 text support service as well as reminders and secure conversation logging.

If you would like more information on our Mental Health First Aid courses please download our Mental Health training booklet. To book a place on our open courses you can book online at Book Now (ouchlandd.co.uk).

To talk to us about an in-house/on-site course for a group of people, please call us on 0800 389 1314 or email us at enquiries@ouchlandd.co.uk.

References

1. 53 workplace mental health statistics you can’t ignore in 2023 (spill.chat)
2. Mental health at work: statistics | Mental Health Foundation
3. Mental health and employers: the case for investment – pandemic and beyond | Deloitte UK