Why we believe in Mental Health First Aid training

Life Saving Training’s mission since 2013 has been to save lives and better protect workforces and communities. So far this has been through our unique First Aid training that is effective, works in the real world and memorable for all the right reasons. We’re excited that we’ve expanded to include Mental Health First Aid training, to further positively impact people, communities and businesses.

So what’s behind our decision?

Awareness of mental health issues is increasing due to some fantastic campaigns in recent years. More still needs to be done to support the 1 in 3 of the UK workforce who have experienced a mental health condition.

Employers are being urged to “Invest in basic mental health literacy for all employees and first aid training in mental health to support line manager capability” – Business in the Community, Mental Health at Work Report (2018).

Employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments and to not treat any employees unfavourably because of a disability. Mental health conditions are included under the The Equality Act. This means it’s important for staff members to have an awareness of mental health.

Many people are frightened to get in involved in either a physical first aid situation or a mental health first aid situation through fear of making things worse. That’s where we come in.

How can we help?

At Life Saving Training, we want more people to have the skills and confidence to help. Not only have we stretchered injured people off the sides of hillsides, but we’ve had that conversation with someone on the wrong side of a bridge on a cold, dark December night. We’ve had that conversation with someone who couldn’t see a way out of an abusive relationship. We’ve recognised when people have needed help in a multitude of situations and offered information, advice and support.

These situations needn’t be daunting with our easy to follow, easy to apply, fully accredited training.

We’ve developed and deliver our own one day adult Mental Health at Work course, free from the constraints of a rigid qualification framework that often include stressful assessments. Pretty counter-intuitive if you ask us!

Our aim is to raise awareness and to reduce any stigma, as well as teach people to spot the symptoms of mental health issues, offer initial help on a first aid basis and guide a person towards further support. We don’t spend too long on theory or deep diving into numerous mental health conditions (of which there are so many) but instead focus on the practical skills and confidence, allowing people to help others.

The course isn’t designed to teach people to be therapists, but does teach people to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis – and potentially even stop a crisis from happening.

If you’d like to find out more, simply get in touch as we love to help. Helping is part of our mission and is what drives us at Life Saving Training.