Mental health and the talk and support given to mental health issues has been given more of a platform since the global pandemic began nearly 3 years ago. With 1 in 4 of us likely to experience a mental health problem each year, it’s undoubtedly a good thing that more and more is being done to help those in need, and this includes within the workplace.
MHFAiders® give employees someone to turn to when they’re struggling with their mental health, and businesses need to ensure that they’re looking after the mental health of their staff in order to ensure both employee wellbeing and business success. QVT is no exception, and having Mental Health First Aiders means we are in a position to help both staff AND our clients when required.
We talk to James Davies, Director of Operations here at Quo Vadis Trust, who is one of several Mental Health First Aiders on our team, about becoming one and what exactly it involves…
Hi James, can you tell us please what a Mental Health First Aider does? How to you become one, and who can become one?
Most of us have some idea what to do if someone physically hurts themselves. Even those with little or no first aid training would probably know to cool a burn with running water, or cover and apply pressure to a wound that is bleeding. However, how many people can say they know what do if someone is showing signs of mental unwellness or having a crisis? This is where Mental Health First Aid comes in.
The role of a Mental Health First Aider is to be a point of contact for someone who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. This interaction could range from having an initial conversation through to supporting the person to get appropriate help. As well as in a crisis, Mental Health First Aiders are valuable in providing early intervention help for someone who may be developing a mental health issue. Mental Health First Aiders can offer vital, initial support through non-judgemental listening and guidance.
To become a Mental Health First Aider you must complete a two day MHFA course. At the end of last year, 10 member of our QVT team completed the MHFA course at Bromley Mind.
What are the responsibilities of a Mental Health First Aider?
I would say that the most important thing to do if you think someone is struggling is to listen to them. Be supportive and most importantly be non-judgemental. Sometimes that’s all someone needs. A Mental Health First Aider is not a psychiatrist so it is vital that you encourage the person to access appropriate professional support. As with any serious ill health the person may need immediate and urgent help so the Mental Health First Aider may need to call emergency services.
What are the key mental health challenges for QVT?
One of the biggest challenges is accessing external support for our clients. When a client relapses and urgently needs assessment and support from the Mental Health Team, it can take several days or even weeks for the person to be seen. In very serious cases we may need to call an ambulance, all too often people are discharged from hospital with out accessing the appropriate support. Our resources are limited and it’s a struggle to provide the intense support that relapsing clients require.
What do you think the benefits are for a business or charity to have Mental Health First Aiders?
The main benefit for any business or charity is reducing stigma around mental health issues. Doing the course gives you the tools to feel confident in talking to colleagues about mental health. If a company invests in this training it sends a strong message to staff that as an employer you take mental health seriously. Having people who can identify the early signs of mental health and take action will lead to a healthier, happier staff and a reduction in sick days taken.
Thanks for speaking with us, James! You can find out more on becoming a Mental Health First Aider here
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