Would you know how to help? Mental Health First Aid in the workplace

With the wealth of available information and resources we’re all well versed in looking after our physical health; whether that be counting our steps, making healthier choices at mealtime or purchasing that exercise bike that is currently being used as a clothes rack…

But what about our mental health? We all have mental health, and just like our physical health can sometimes not be 100%, there are times when mental ill health can strike. Although we have seen great strides in the last few years in the understanding, treatment and support of mental ill health, stigma still exists. As a society, we don’t tend to know how to take care of our mental health like we do our physical health. This means that people may not know how to support a friend, family member or colleague experiencing a mental health issue, or where to go for support with their own mental health.

According to the ONS, mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of sickness absence in the UK labour market, with approximately 10% of all sickness absence days being attributed to mental health conditions. Several organisations are now tackling this head on, seeking to create a mentally healthy workplace that promotes wellbeing, tackles work-related causes of mental health problems and supports colleagues who are experiencing mental ill health.

One initiative that is growing amongst employers is the introduction of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAider®). Just like you may have colleagues trained to be medical first aiders if someone falls ill or has an accident at work, an MHFAider®’s role is to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. MHFA won’t teach people to be therapists, it will teach them to listen, reassure and respond by signposting appropriate routes to support.

Here at the In-House Training Company, we’re delighted to offer a range of mental health related training through an MHFA England certified trainer. Courses include the full MHFAider® training, a one-day MHFA Champion course, a short Mental Health Aware module, and a refresher course for those already MHFA trained. If you’re looking to create a Mental Health First Aid network in your organisation we’re here to support. Please take a look at the available training options, which can be delivered either in-person or virtually. Give us a call on 01582 463463. We’re here to help.