According to the CIPD’s health and wellbeing at work 2020 report, companies must do more build mentally healthy workplaces based on prevention rather than cure. 59% of the survey respondents agreed that managers do not feel confident to have sensitive discussions about mental health and wellbeing and signpost staff to expert sources of help if needed. 75% said that they are not confident and competent in spotting early warning signs of mental ill health.
The Centre for Mental Health predicts that 10 million people (20% of the population) in England will need new or additional mental health support as a direct consequence of the COVID crisis.
Mental health first aid (MHFA) training is instrumental in developing a workforce capable of giving peer to peer wellbeing support at work. Remember, if your people are healthy, your business will be to.
"The more I watch the news and speak to companies and employees in and around Cambridge it is becoming more and more apparent that Mental ill Health is becoming a crisis that we as business leaders and good human beings need to address and support. I wanted to lead from the front and show everyone at Marshall Centre and within my network that this is important, we should be talking about it and we should be taking the lead in supporting those who have recovered or in recovery from Mental Health experiences. A superb course, delivered extremely well and so thought provoking. Best two days of learning I have experienced." - Dan Edwards (General Manager - Marshall Centre)
Jo Boyd is the Head of Wellbeing and a qualified MHFA England training facilitator at Marshall Centre. Her style of delivery is warm, sensitive and accessible for any ability level. Jo is highly skilled at supporting people through the course and ensuring that learners’ mental health is protected always.
The course has been specially adapted for virtual delivery with some self-guided e-modules to complete before the virtual group sessions begin.
What will I gain from a MHFA course?
- An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing
- Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
- Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
- Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening
- Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support - whether that’s self-help resources, through their employer, the NHS, or a mixture
- A post-course support group for a fixed time following course completion
What will I take away after completing the course?
- A certificate of attendance to say you are a Mental Health First Aider
- A manual to refer to whenever you need it
- A quick reference card for the Mental Health First Aid action plan
- A workbook including a helpful toolkit to support your own mental health
Feedback from our learners who have completed the MHFA course:
“A good mix of facilitation, teaching & group discussion. Was interactive, everyone participated & shared experiences. I feel like I know my colleagues that little bit better than I did before.”
“Great course, very intense but well worth it. Well done to both the facilitators for navigating us through some very difficult topics, doing so respectfully and with good humour to lighten the mood. This course will be invaluable in the future, in being able to support friends and family who may be experiencing poor mental health. Also, a great reminder to look after yourself."
“I found the course incredibly personable and thought provoking. Mental Health is so key to the enjoyment of life. Jo and Bob were fantastic facilitators and they looked after our wellbeing throughout. It was good to be able to discuss a difficult subject in a safe space.”
“The course has given me lots to think about. It stimulated a conversation with my children in relation to talking about problems with family and friends and not keeping problems to themselves.”
“There was a great group on the course and everyone was involved and encouraged to have a voice which is very important. I would recommend this course to others. There was a relaxed atmosphere. Well done instructors.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course and applaud Bob and Jo for their interactive and sensitive approach to a serious subject, which affects us all. I have learnt mental health is not a constant; contrary to my previous beliefs! I hope to become a better listener and not just a bystander to help people who may be in need.”
On average the group of learners reported a 72% increase in both their knowledge of different mental health conditions and their confidence in identifying and supporting people demonstrating signs of mental ill health as a result of the training.