The importance of mental health training in the workplace

My passion is mental health, as it touches so deeply into our lives. Mental health training sessions usually create a safe place for people to open up about their experiences, feel compassion, plus gain new ideas to help with work, life, friends and families. Participants often value how much basic listening skills, patience and empathy can make the difference – that we do not need to be a mental health professional to offer help, even in complex cases.

Workplaces occasionally reach crisis, like individuals, and also need to change and grow. Luckily, attitudes are changing fast. I will be listening for the outcome of the government’s discussion of a Bill to make mental health first-aid part of first-aid training requirements. It feels positive to be part of discussion with lots of workers about mental health. It is very empowering to acknowledge what we have learnt from our personal challenges and our complex work, but also how much this supports our resilience and skills.

I have worked with people of a range of ages and needs as a support worker, tutor and trainer in Health and Social care for 35 years, including an Occupational Therapy and a Psychology masters. Understanding how people think, feel and behave requires a holistic approach, which helps frame the complex (and under-appreciated) work we do in social care. A reflective approach is essential to aid perspective and personal growth. Well facilitated training groups are a great opportunity for this. Shorter courses can work well, but the longer or accredited qualifications, such as the 2-day Mental First Aid, facilitates the focus and confidence needed for workers to play a clearer supportive role. This reduces pressure on line managers, who are often not well placed to take this on.