How Mental Health First Aid builds healthier, more compassionate workplaces

In about 2001 I took a two-day course to be the office First Aider. About a week later, on my first ever skiing holiday, a snowboarder crash-landed in front of me, screamed in agony and passed out. I had to put my First Aid skills to the test while a friend (who could actually ski) went to get help. Beyond RICE-ing an occasional twisted ankle, I haven’t used the skills much since. (I’ve also never been skiing again.)

In 2019, having left my employer of 13 years with no next steps plan in place, I took a Mental Health First Aid course with West Kent Mind. There’s no “the very next day…” dramatic anecdote this time, but it did dramatically change the way I consider mental health – including my own – and the way I support others.

From Customer Services Administrator to Head of Retail (and everything in between) I’ve experienced my share of workplace stress and at times, along with other factors, it has had a hugely detrimental effect on my mental health. That initial MHFA course helped me to reflect on how I had previously dealt with my own poor health (just keep going, pretend nothing is wrong, don’t let anyone know how much you’re struggling) and on how different it could have been if Mental Health First Aid had been embedded in my workplace at the time.

The course challenged me to consider how – or even if – I looked after own my mental wellbeing before trying to support anyone else. It built my self-awareness; I’m much more aware of my own stressors and warning signs, so I’m more likely to act sooner. It empowered me to see what a good manager and leader looks like when it comes to a mentally healthy workplace, and that I had a lot more to learn. It showed me how to provide empathetic and collaborative support without always trying to problem-solve.

I have since gone on to train and volunteer with Shout, to train as an MHFA instructor myself, and to volunteer and work with West Kent Mind. Everything I have learned builds on that original, solid foundation of awareness.

Mental Health First Aid has its advocates and its adversaries. It isn’t a cure-all, it’s not going to stop people from ever becoming unwell, or immediately reverse decades of silence and misunderstanding about mental health. Mental Health First Aiders shouldn’t ever be a standalone solution. They’re only effective in workplaces which take a proactive and holistic whole organisation approach to a culture of employee wellbeing, including preventing work-related stress. When trained, mentored, supported and empowered in their role they can provide hope, reassurance, initial assistance and an empathetic listening ear, whilst protecting their own mental wellbeing. For thousands of businesses across England, it’s a key part of their vital commitment to supporting employee wellbeing. As part of an organisational wellbeing strategy, they can also support a healthier bottom line.

Last month I took at Emergency First Aid at Work course. It’s changed a lot since 2001, they didn’t have defibrillators and protective breathing masks back then! MHFA has adapted too, to ensure it keeps up with latest evidence, changing health demographics and best practice. First Aiders must recertify after three years, and so must Mental Health First Aiders. Statistics suggest that you’re significantly more likely to meet someone experiencing symptoms of depression than having a stroke or a heart attack. Would you feel confident to get them to the help they need?

I have no doubt that my MHFAider qualification – and subsequent learning and experience – has empowered me to be a positive part of many recovery journeys. Learners frequently tell me their “very next day…” stories of providing intervention and support following a course. I’m proud to be part of creating workplaces where mental health is prioritised and stress at work isn’t glorified.