Mental Health First Aiders
15 June 2023
As it was recently Mental Health Awareness Week, QODA thought it was important to reflect on how we aim to improve mental health in the workplace.
What is a Mental Health First Aider?
A Mental Health First Aider is trained to spot any signs or symptoms of common mental health problems. They are there to listen and provide non-judgmental support and to guide a person who is suffering to seek professional help.
Why does QODA encourage staff to become Mental Health First Aiders?
At QODA, it is important for us to have trained MHFA’s in all of our offices and we want to send more team members on training courses in the future. Mental Health is an ongoing issue and QODA want to encourage their staff to talk freely about mental health and seek support if they need it.
What do our Mental Health First Aiders have to say?
Emma Gibbard from our Oxford office – ‘I completed the Mental Health First Aider trainer two weeks ago to be enable me to spot the signs if someone is experiencing a crisis and how to initially support them. With the training and resources given, I would like to promote an understanding of mental health with QODA, reduce stigma around mental ill health and hopefully play a small part, if possible, in preventing an individual’s mental health deteriorating.’
Mark Tobin from our Bristol office – ‘Collectively increasing our awareness of mental health and destigmatizing the conversation around it are both extremely important in all areas of life, and none of these more so than in the workplace. Promoting mental health is something that I am passionate about which is why I wanted to become a Mental Health First Aider. Since receiving my training, I believe I have a greater understanding of the mental health issues that people may be facing and I have developed the skills to help support them.’
Hannah McIlrath from our London office – ‘I believe mental health is just as important as physical health but quite often people aren’t aware of the support that is on offer. After recently completing my MHFA course, I have a better understanding of how I can support my colleagues and I would like to help to maintain an open and supportive culture at QODA with regards to mental health.’
For more information visit: https://mhfaengland.org/