It’s ok to not be ok!

Approximately one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year.

The number of people with mental health problems is on the rise. Worries about things like money, jobs and benefits make it harder for people to cope, especially when they are at work.

How well people deal with mental health problems is declining. This is shown by the fact that the number of people who self-harm or have suicidal thoughts is increasing. Many are reluctant to seek help or simply don’t know where to turn for advice.

Spotting the signs of mental health issues before they become significant to a person is really important. It’s crucial to be proactive to support those in your business as they manage their mental health.

It has never been more important for everyone to understand the warning signs and risk factors.

Even when friends and family of someone developing a mental illness recognise something’s amiss, they may not know how to intervene or direct the person to treatment.

All too often, those in need of mental health services do not get them until it is too late.

What is mental health first aid?

Mental health first aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to the first signs of mental illnesses or substance abuse in your staff.

Our mental health first aid training courses introduce participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns, building a better understanding of their impact on individuals and providing an overview of common treatments. Through role-playing and simulations, the courses demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions, provide initial help, and connect people to professional, peer and social support as well as self-help resources.

Mental health first aid encourages early detection and intervention, teaching participants about the signs and symptoms of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and addictions.

We offer three mental health first aid courses:

Level 1 award in awareness of first aid for mental health (1/2 day)

This awareness course is suitable for everyone. It provides learners with the knowledge to recognise a suspected mental health condition, and the skills to start a conversation and signpost a person towards professional help.

Level 2 award in first aid for mental health (One day)

This one-day course provides learners with the knowledge to identify suspected mental health conditions, and the skills to start a conversation and signpost the person towards professional help. But it also expands on the effects of drugs and alcohol, incorporates the first aid for mental health action plan, and covers ways in which a positive mental health culture can be supported within a workplace.

Level 3 award in supervising first aid for mental health (two days)

This two-day course goes into detail on a wide range of mental health conditions, and the support and help provided by healthcare professionals. It covers the content of both the level 1 and level 2 qualifications, but is aimed at supervisors and managers within the workplace.

Give us a call today to book a space on our next course, to discuss onsite training options or with any enquiries you may have.

Check out our eLearning mental health courses – simple, effective and a great starting point for any business:

• Mental health awareness training for carers and nurses
• Mental health awareness training for education professionals
• Mental health in construction training
• Mental health awareness training for managers
• Stress awareness training

How your business will benefit from mental health first aid

Taking part in a mental health first aid training course has a whole host of benefits for both employers and employees. These include raising awareness of mental illness, encouraging early intervention to aid recovery, increasing confidence in dealing with mental illness and reducing stigma around mental health issues.

There’s ignorance of mental health issues, especially in workplaces. While many are uncertain how to recognise mental health and substance abuse-related illnesses, some are unclear how to react when faced with it.

Mental health first aid training makes you informed and aware and is a key component in creating a safe, happy and productive workplace. You’ll have the tools to not only support your own mental health but that of your colleagues, too. Anyone taking part in the training will be able to spot early signs and symptoms of mental health issues and provide the right support whilst helping to reduce employer’s losses linked with mental health issues.

Why choose The Health & Safety Dept for mental health first aid?

Our courses provide the necessary skills and knowledge to give your employees confidence when dealing with mental health illnesses at work.

Your employees will learn from industry-leading first aiders, who’ll teach you how to spot signs and symptoms of mental health issues before they become significant to a person. Our first aiders provide your employees with potentially lifesaving skills and knowledge they can not only use at work but in day-to-day life, too.

At The Health & Safety Dept, we believe mental health first aid training should be simple and easy to understand — and that’s why we have a strict no jargon policy. What’s more, our courses are quick and easy to sign-up for, all you need to do is pick up the phone to book a space.

Our team is on-hand to support you post-course, too. Whether it’s to answer any questions or help you book a refresher course. And for extra peace of mind, we’ll provide relevant resources and materials, offering additional advice, tips and information.

Mental Health First Aid FAQ