First Aiders for Mental Health

“What is a Mental Health First Aider?”, “Why are they important?” we ask. Well, in a society where 1 in 4 people have mental ill-health, they are far more useful and important than you may think.

Physical First Aiders are a workplace requirement for all businesses. The number of employees in your organisation and the level of risk in your workplace will determine how many first aiders you need. Yet there is no legal requirement for First Aiders for Mental Health (FAfMH) in the workplace… but is there an ethical one?

What is Mental Health First Aid?

First Aiders for Mental Health began in Australia but it has now spread to 24 countries, including the UK. FAfMH is both preventative and proactive. It’s a practical, ethical and productive way for employers to invest in the mental and emotional health of their staff - which reaps benefits for everyone.

It’s a big (yet simple) step to take. It encourages employees to lessen the stigma that still surrounds mental health. It encourages people to speak about emotional matters and mental struggles more openly and positively in the workplace.

What do FAfMH do?

Generally, the purpose of a FAfMH is to be a point of contact for employees if they are experiencing emotional distress or suffering in silence with mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety or depression, for example.

First Aiders for Mental Health are trained to listen. They are trained to spot the early signs of mental ill-health in others. They are taught to confidently signpost someone to appropriate support, both internal and external, and they are equipped to deal with emergencies too - such as psychosis, thoughts of suicide, or attempted suicide.

It is important to note however - that FAfMHs are not qualified therapists/counsellors/psychiatrists. They cannot advise, but they can listen and offer support options. They are trained to:

• Maintain confidentiality (unless someone’s physical safety or life is at risk)

• Spot early signs of mental ill-health

• Assess the risk of self-harm or suicide

• Listen to what people are saying without judgement

• Know when to contact the emergency services (if it’s required)

• Care for their own physical safety and mental wellbeing

• Know how to start a conversation with someone who may be experiencing emotional or mental ill-health

• Encourage people to use additional support that’s available, including internal and external support systems

• Complete critical incident documents where necessary

How to promote your First Aiders for Mental Health

As a part of introducing new employees to the company, it is a good idea to make all employees aware of who both the physical and mental first aiders are. Each company may promote and approach the services provided by their FAfMH differently.

Companies can consider ensuring that First Aiders for Mental Health:

• Are introduced to new staff when they join

• Send periodic email reminders to the team to remind them of the service

• Have their name, photo, location and availability on a shared drive/intranet or company notice board