What is First Aid for Mental Health training?

With 1 in 4 people in the UK experiencing a mental health condition at some point in their lives, it is becoming more important to understand how to cope with these conditions as they arise in the workplace.

Companies have first aiders trained to give emergency assistance to someone who's had an accident at work.  If the injury or accident warrants, the first aider will summon the emergency services, or send the patient to doctors/hospital.  The role of the mental health first aider is very similar.  They will be a point of contact within the company who can provide initial help and support for someone experiencing a mental health issue, and signpost them to further assistance as required.

It is a misconception that the mental health first aider can diagnose mental health conditions.  This simply isn't true.  As a mental health first aider, we are trained to spot conditions, but not diagnose.  No one can become a clinical psychologist with just a few days training!

Some of the roles and responsibilities of the Mental Health First Aider are:

• Be the main point of contact for someone who is going through some form of mental health problem.
• Identify early signs and symptoms of mental ill-health.
  
• Start supportive, confidential, conversations with people experiencing mental health problems.
  
• Assess the risk of self harm or suicide.
  
• Signpost, and encourage the appropriate professional support.  Please use our mental health signposting page for further help and information. .
  
• Reduce the social and self stigma associated to mental health.
  
• Summon the appropriate emergency services if needed.

Jewel Safety run fully accredited first aid for mental health training courses.  Contact us for further information.