Why mental health first aid training is essential for businesses

byIsaac Mann/February 6, 2024/inNews

As a business owner or manager, you are responsible for the wellbeing of your employees. This includes not just their physical health, but also their mental health. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 6 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem at any given time – this means that chances are, some of your employees may be struggling with their mental health right now. The good news is that you can help them by providing mental health first aid training.

Group of people attending a training conference

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training programme that teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health problem.

Just like traditional first aid, MHFA teaches you how to provide initial support before professional help is available. The training covers a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance misuse.

Click here for more information on Step One Charity’s BeWell@StepOne Mental Health First Aid courses.

Why is MHFA training important for businesses?

It helps to reduce stigma

Many people are still reluctant to talk about their mental health due to fear of being stigmatised. Mental Health First Aid training can help to reduce this stigma by creating a supportive workplace culture where mental health is seen as a priority.

It improves productivity

Employees who are struggling with their mental health are likely to be less productive and take more sick days. By providing MHFA training, you can help to identify and support these employees, which can improve their wellbeing and productivity.

It saves lives

Mental health problems can be just as serious as physical health problems. In some cases, early intervention can mean the difference between life and death. MHFA training can help you to identify and support someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

How to book MHFA training for your business

Step One Charity’s BeWell for Business programme offers MHFA training courses for businesses across Devon. Two-day, one-day and half-day paid courses are available and delivered by our certified trainers.

Our 2023 2-day course dates are as follows:

13th & 14th June 2023

21st & 22nd September 2023

28th & 29th November 2023

£95 per person including 2 days of training, assessment and certification

By providing this training, you can help to reduce stigma, improve productivity and even save lives. So why wait? Book your MHFA training today and make a real difference to your workplace culture.

Simply visit our BeWell for Business page and fill out the enquiry form. One of our course trainers will be in touch to confirm your booking, provide more information and answer any questions. For anything else, please email training@steponecharity.co.uk.

Get in touch to book or find out more

Step One is currently looking for passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees, including a new Chair to lead us into the future. As we continue to support people across Devon through our vital mental health and wellbeing services, your expertise can make a lasting difference and help to shape our future.

Walking and wellbeing: A Q&A with Dee Allbrook

September 26, 2024

Meet Dee Allbrook, a Recovery Practitioner here at Step One. Amongst many things, Dee hosts a number of our BeWell@StepOne peer support groups and wellbeing activities. We recently sat down with her and had a chat about walking and the wellbeing benefits it can provide.

Why mental health first aid training is essential for businesses

What is Mental Health First Aid?