The role of a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) has never been more important in the workplace, given the challenges society has faced over the last few years. Amidst a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and changes to the ways companies work, the need to support everyone’s mental health and wellbeing is greater than ever. MHFAiders® play a vital role in offering this support, as the first point of contact for anyone experiencing a mental health issue and signposting people to the right support.
Since MHFA England was founded in 2007, the organisation has trained 1 in 50 of the adult population in mental health knowledge and skills, and over 338,000 people since the beginning of the pandemic. More people than ever have the skills they need to spot the signs of mental ill health in the workplace and signpost people to support. HR teams need to be proactive in their efforts to support MHFAiders® in the workplace, so they feel empowered, confident and motivated to carry out this crucial role.
You can’t pour from an empty cup
No one is immune to the current challenges facing society, such as the cost-of-living crisis. To support someone with their mental health, MHFAiders® need to ensure they are protecting their own wellbeing and as the analogy goes, not ‘pouring from an empty cup’. HR teams should support their MHFAider® network through continued encouragement to put their own wellbeing first. Having space is an important part of protecting wellbeing as are self-care activities, such as being active, staying connected with friends, families and colleagues, eating and sleeping well.
Implementing a ‘happiness hour’ or half an hour throughout the day could help MHFAiders® to ensure they are frequently taking part in activities that bring them joy to support their mental health.
Setting boundaries
An essential part of the MHFA training is a clear understanding of the role and its boundaries. MHFAiders® are not trained therapists or a replacement for medical support services and should not be expected to act as such. MHFAiders® should be encouraged to practise self-care and signpost to support available.
They should also be encouraged to set their own boundaries and communicate when they need to take a break from the role.
Sustained support
Research undertaken by MHFA England found that the majority of MHFAiders® wanted more support in carrying out their role after completing the training. As a result of this, the new MHFA course now includes three years of continuous support for MHFAiders®, well beyond their initial certification. The new MHFAider Support App® includes exclusive resources, ongoing learning opportunities and a 24/7 text support service to support wellbeing after a difficult conversation.
Whilst all the tips above are vital in helping MHFAiders® thrive in their role, they are, and can only ever be, just one part of wellbeing at work. This means developing a flexible, holistic mental health and wellbeing strategy that works for all employees and the business.
This September, MHFA England is launching its new MHFA course, which is the only licensed, internationally accredited, evidence based MHFA course in England. It has been re-developed through an inclusive lens–promoting equity and understanding around mental health. To find out more about training MHFAiders® for your organisation, and MHFA England’s new MHFA offer, visit: https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/news/MHFA-England-launches-new-Mental-Health-First-Aid-course
