What is a Mental Health First Aider?

In the workplace, mental health issues can affect one in every six employees. Therefore, many companies are taking positive action to support staff by training them in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

But what is Mental Health First Aid? What is the role of a Mental Health First Aider in the workplace? How can you become a Mental Health First Aider?

This guide answers all of these questions and more. Read on for everything you need to know about:
The role of a Mental Health First Aider in the workplace.
The benefits of Mental Health First Aid in the workplace
How you can introduce Mental Health First Aid into your workplace.

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid is the support provided to a person experiencing symptoms of mental ill-health. MHFA also teaches people to recognise signs of poor mental health and ways to try to prevent further issues from developing.

Mental Health First Aid is vital in the work environment, with as many as 14.7% of employees experiencing a mental health issue in the workplace. By implementing MHFA training in the workplace, an employer can make a difference to their employees’ lives both in and out of work.

Mental Health First Aid enables employees to be aware of mental health issues and know how to support themselves and their colleagues. MHFA Training can also reduce absenteeism, improve productivity and create better morale within the workplace.

Read More: How To Support Mental Health Issues at Work

What is the Role of a Mental Health First Aider?

Mental Health First Aiders are employees who have received training in identifying mental health issues. Mental Health First Aiders are taught how to listen non-judgmentally and communicate effectively with people experiencing mental health-related issues. They also understand effective ways of encouraging individuals to seek appropriate help.  

The role of a Mental Health First Aider is to provide initial support for people experiencing signs or symptoms of mental health issues. And refer them to more appropriate care if necessary. Mental Health First Aiders also help to open the lines of communication between the employer and staff member. They can also reduce stigma in the workplace. Mental Health First Aiders can help to build confidence in employers and employees so they can support each other’s mental health.

Responsibilities of Mental Health First Aiders

With a qualified Mental Health First Aider in the workplace, employers, employees and colleagues may feel more confident about tackling mental health issues. 

Key responsibilities of Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace include:

• • Identifying if a person is experiencing a mental health issue

• • Listening non-judgmentally to what the person is saying or feeling

• • Encouraging the person to seek appropriate treatment

• • Helping those suffering with mental ill-health to take small steps towards recovery

• • Referring on to specialist services if necessary

• • Helping to build trust between employer and employees, in order for both groups to feel comfortable talking about mental health issues

How To Become a Mental Health First Aider

If you’re an employer or HR professional considering accredited MHFA training for managers or staff, we can help. MHFA courses are beneficial to both the employees, their managers and the company as a whole. If you’re an employee and you would like to train in Mental Health First Aid, you can approach your employer about MHFA courses on-site or attending one of our open sessions.

Employees can also build a case for workplace wellness using the HMRC Workplace Wellbeing Tool and presenting a case to employers for training staff in MHFA.

It’s important that employers, managers and supervisors understand the signs of mental ill-health in the workplace. Learning how to help employees in the workplace who are struggling with mental health issues is imperative in today’s workforce. Equipping staff with the skills to become a Mental Health First Aider promotes an open environment where people feel comfortable discussing mental health-related issues.   

Other Mental Health First Aid Training Courses

While having staff members trained in Mental Health First Aid is one option, for employers who want to implement a company-wide mental health initiative, there are various Mental Health Training Courses.

An employer might consider appointing teams of employees who could take on the role of Mental Health Champions. These people will receive training in mental health and can help to raise awareness of mental ill-health in the workplace.

You could also offer Mental Health Aware training, an introductory course that gives people general knowledge about mental health issues and how to be supportive.

Whatever your business needs, there’s a Mental Health First Aid course that’s right for your company.

Does Your Business Need a Qualified Mental Health First Aider?

If you’re an employer who wants to offer wellbeing support to your staff, consider Mental Health First Aid training. Mental Health First Aid training helps employees who may be experiencing mental health issues while also improving morale in the workplace.   

At Great Minds At Work, we understand the importance of a mentally healthy work environment. Our accredited Mental Health First Aid Training Courses offer employers the opportunity to train staff in a range of Mental Health First Aid courses.
If you need help finding a course that’s right for your workforce, get in touch today!