This mental health first aid training course will teach you how to recognise warning signs of mental ill health and help you develop the skills and confidence to approach and support someone, whilst keeping yourself safe. This 4-hour qualification will provide you with the knowledge to spot specific warning signs that someone could be struggling with a mental health condition, as well as explaining how to initiate a supportive conversation.
We introduce an action plan to help and offer guidance as it is estimated that around 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives. For many, work is a major source of stress. 1 in 6 employees experience common mental health problems in the workplace. Businesses can support people with their mental health and create more positive and productive working environments as a result. Unfortunately, despite recent campaigns and advances, there still remains a level of stigma and fear of discrimination around mental health conditions. Employees may feel that mental health conditions will not be greeted with the same compassionate approach as physical illness. This should not be the case and the purpose of this course is to demystify mental health conditions and empower workplaces, friends and family members to provide the support and signposting desperately needed by those struggling with their mental well-being.
The HSE have embraced the idea of mental health in the workplace and issued the following guidance ‘First aid needs assessment’ for businesses. They suggest that your first aid needs assessment should also consider whether it is beneficial to have personnel trained to identify and understand symptoms and the ability to support someone who might be experiencing a mental health issue, as well as knowing when and how to encourage someone to seek appropriate professional help. In addition, we explore other ways to reduce stress and boost mental health and identify the multitude of self-help and support options available.
The scope of this course is not learn to diagnose or treat mental health conditions as this should only be done by appropriately trained healthcare professionals. However, you will be guided in identifying signs someone might be struggling and we will equip you with a methodology to appropriately support them and a directory of people where you can signpost them for help.
It is impossible to cover all eventualities within this course, or to equip you with the knowledge and skills to appropriately diagnose and treat in unpredictable real life situations. If you suspect serious illness or injury, you should always seek immediate professional medical advice. The Author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within the course, however this course is merely a guide and the Author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person, however caused.
The course material has been written by Emma Hammett, Qualified Nurse, First Aid Trainer and founder of First Aid for Life in conjunction with other medical and first aid professionals. If you have any queries concerning this course, please contact emma@firstaidforlife.org.uk