Mental Health First Aiders
Now that you are a Mental Health First Aider , you can: – Understand the important factors affecting mental ill health – Identify the signs and symptoms for a range of mental health conditions – Use ALGEE to provide Mental Health First Aid to someone experiencing a mental health issue or crisis – Listen non-judgementally and hold supportive conversations using the Mental Health First Aid action plan – Signpost people to professional help, recognising that your role as a Mental Health First Aider does not replace the need for ongoing support
“Sarah, one of our Mental Health First Aiders, noticed I wasn’t how I usually was. I was really struggling and I didn’t know who else to go to. To sit there and let me speak about how I feel and what’s happened, it made me feel reassured that I wasn’t just an employee, but she took my personal and mental health into consideration. Together we discussed the next best steps to take: we phoned the GP together and Sarah personally took me to my appointment that very same day. She came in with me so they could discuss what would be the best thing for me at work, as well as what steps my doctor wanted to take. I ended up taking three weeks off work and then began a phased return with the help of Sarah. I also had private counselling through the company’s employee benefits scheme, and cognitive behavioural
MHFA England courses do not teach people to be therapists or counsellors and do not teach people how to diagnose mental health conditions or provide ongoing support. Instead, your role is to act as a point of contact and reassurance for a person who may be experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. Maintaining appropriate boundaries is a key part of successfully providing Mental Health First Aid and keeping yourself safe and well. Being a Mental Health First Aider is a voluntary role. If you feel at any time it is affecting your own wellbeing, or you are not in the right place to support others, please consider stepping down from the role. Your own mental health is always the priority.
therapy through my GP.” Rachael, Dermalogica
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