Let’s Focus on Mental Health

Over the past years greater importance has been put on mental health.  With an increasing number of reports and articles on mental distress being published and companies beginning to provide necessary support.

The Mental Health First Aid Program was developed in Australia and was launched by the Department of Health’s National Institute for Mental Health in England as part of a national approach to improve public mental health.  The ‘No Health Without Mental Health: Implementation Framework’ encourages all companies in England to provide Mental Health First Aid training.

There are over 350,000 people in England and 2.6 million people worldwide that have been trained as Mental Health First Aiders.  They are qualified to:

• Understand the important factors affecting mental ill health;
• Identify the signs and symptoms for a range of mental health conditions;
• Listen non-judgementally and hold supportive conversations using the Mental Health First Aid action plan; and
• Signpost people to professional help, recognising that the Mental Health First Aider does not replace the need for ongoing support.

These First Aiders use ALGEE to provide Mental Health First Aid to someone experiencing a mental health issue or crisis.  This stands for:

          Approach, assess and assist with any crisis;

           Listen non-judgmentally;

          Give support and information;

          Encourage appropriate professional help; and

          Encourage other supports.

With awareness improved and skills trained, First Aiders can bring a profound and positive impact on their companies.

FSL take the wellbeing of our employees very seriously and therefore have trained first aiders who can recognise mental ill health and help people find the support they need to stay well.  We aim to create a working environment where attitudes and behaviour to mental ill health are normalised and both the physical and mental health of our employees is well looked after.

If you are interested in finding out more about Mental Health First Aider training please contact:  Mental Health First Aid England at www.mhfaengland.org