What does a First Aid for Mental Health course cover and what are the responsibilities?

In recent years people have become much more open talking about their own mental health.  At work, employers are increasingly looking to support their employees and ensure that they have a happy and productive workplace.

While many people understand the role of a first aid trained individual in a business, they don’t understand the role of the individual who is trained to be the mental health first aider.

It is important to remember that just as the regular first aider isn’t trained to be a nurse or doctor, the mental health first aider isn’t trained to be a therapist or psychologist.  They are trained to become a single point of contact for anyone within an organisation suffering with a mental health condition, identify the signs and symptoms of mental illness and engage in supportive conversations. They are also able to signpost individuals toward organisations where they can receive help, support, and guidance.

What does the first aid for mental health course cover?

We offer three levels of the first aid for mental training course.  The Level 1 Awareness in First Aid for Mental Health course is designed to increase awareness of mental health conditions and helps to create a positive mental health culture in the workplace.

For a more comprehensive training course we offer the Level 2 First Aid for Mental Health course and also the Level 3 Supervising First Aid for Mental Health course.

Our Level 3 course is designed primarily for managers, supervisors, and other individuals who are empowered to promote change within a business.  This course provides the candidates with extensive information of mental health conditions, their causes, how to start difficult conversations and what actions can be taken in a business to improve mental wellbeing.

What are the responsibilities of the Mental Health First Aider?

Employees who have completed the Level 1 Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health training should be comfortable discussing mental health with others and be able to provide them with some basic advice to signpost them towards helpful resources. This half day course will help to remove the stigma attached to mental health and encourage a more accepting working environment. 

Employees trained to Level 2 First Aid for Mental Health will often have a more formal role as a mental health first aider within a business. Level 2 mental health first aiders may be expected to act as a point of contact for colleagues who are experiencing a mental health condition and provide guidance to further support. They may also be encouraged to look out for signs of mental health issues in their work area which are affecting colleagues and open a supportive conversation with individuals where necessary.

An employee who has completed the two-day Level 3 Supervising First Aid for Mental Health course may have all of the responsibilities of the Level 1 and 2 but will often be in a position to affect organisational change. They will be responsible for coordinating mental health first aiders in the workplace, identifying the best signposting support for individuals with mental health problems. Another part of this role may be to help a company build policies to support individuals’ mental health at work and help prevent issues from arising in the first instance. 

It is highly recommended that at least one employee is trained to Level 3 Supervisor for Mental Health First Aid.  It is of paramount importance that all mental health concerns are considered and addressed.  The efforts of the mental health first aiders should always be supported and encouraged.

Jewel Safety offer all three levels of first aid for mental health training.  Please contact us for further information.