Q&A with our Mental Health First Aider

By Slater Heelis

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week which falls 9th – 15th May 2022, we spoke with our Mental Health First Aider, Phil, about his role and how he can provide support to our colleagues.

Supporting the wellbeing of employees is crucial to ensure they are content and healthy both in and out of work. Plus, identifying issues and dealing with them before they progress into something bigger could help to reduce staff absences and increase morale and mood at work. Find out more about what mental health first aiders (MHFA) can do to help.

Phil, what is your role as an MHFA?

If my colleagues are worried, anxious or suffering in any way, in or out of work, and their mental wellbeing is affected, I can provide support in whatever way possible.

From panic attacks to a severe reaction to a traumatic event, changes in moods and any other issue regarding mental and personal wellbeing, colleagues have a safe space to seek confidential help from an MHFA.

I can also work with managers to develop their skills in having meaningful mental health discussions with their teams. Nurturing open lines of conversation and routes to support can ensure all staff are aware of the offering if they ever require it.

What kind of support can you give to those who are struggling?

As an MHFA I am the first point of contact for related issues or concerns. This spans issues both in work and away from work. While I am no medical professional, in the same way a first aider can react quickly to provide immediate and temporary care where there is a physical injury, the same goes for mental health and wellbeing.

My supportive role includes being able to identify triggers and act when spotted, offer guidance and step in when a crisis arises. Reassurance is given to individuals, as well as finding solutions in the workplace if possible, or offering pathways for further support with professionals.

How does someone become an MHFA?

To become an MHFA, you need to take a course which will provide the expertise and skills to spot signs or triggers of mental health issues. There are a number of training providers; I was trained by St John Ambulance.

Often, employers can fund training when there is a need for staff to be trained in this area of wellbeing. Having trusted individuals that people can turn to in confidence makes a world of difference, especially with many employers now having a combination of onsite, hybrid and remote staff.

From a business perspective, training of mental health first aiders can reduce mental health related sickness by giving those who are struggling the ability to open up without judgement.

To be successful as a mental health first aider, in addition to the knowledge to provide support, there are also soft skills that will make people feel more comfortable in sharing their issues, such as: