Why is MHFA important?

Mind in Bradford’s Workplace Training Lead, Bryony, shares why Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) are a vital resource in the workplace.

Firstly, let me introduce myself, I’m Bryony and I joined Mind in Bradford in 2024. I’m a qualified teacher and before joining Mind in Bradford, I worked in adult social care for Bradford Council.

I’m passionate about providing people with opportunities to develop and grow, especially with their mental health and wellbeing. What better way to do this than by supporting local businesses with their workplace mental health training.  

What is Mental Health First Aid training?

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

The course content is developed by MHFA England who are on a mission to train 1 in 10 people in the UK. Mind in Bradford is proud to be a specialist provider of MHFA training for local businesses in Bradford and Craven.  

Qualified Mental Health First Aiders are invaluable in the workplace and as important as physical First Aiders. The training won’t teach employees to be counsellors, but it will arm them with the skills to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis. 

Anyone can become qualified all you need to do is take an accredited two-day course with a local provider. If you work in Bradford and Craven we can provide this training for you, check out our upcoming course dates. 

Here are my top 5 reasons why you need Mental Health First Aiders in your organisation:   

1. promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

MHFAs tackle the stigma that is associated with mental health, not only in our lives outside of work, but also in the workplace. They do this by raising awareness about mental health, offering support and promoting a positive and inclusive place of work for everyone. All of which contributes to healthier and happier workplaces with a thriving culture.  

  2. recognise and understand signs and symptoms of mental health.

The training that MHFAs receive allows them to lead effective and impactful mental health support in the workplace. They can recognise signs of mental ill-health and support someone with access to the right services and resources for them. This recognition and support leads to early invention and prevention in the workplace.  

3. develop the skills and confidence to have the right conversations. 

This could be through empowering someone to seek the right support for them, or even by simply taking the time to listen to how someone’s day has been. MHFAs are trained to have important conversations with others, as well as record reflective notes to support future MHFA conversations.  

4. respect confidentiality and safeguard the workforce.

With this, someone who is reluctant to open up about their mental health may feel they can talk to a MHFA. MHFAs listen non-judgementally and provide a safe and reliable person for someone to approach when they need support. Unless a MHFA is concerned that someone is at risk of hurting themselves or others, confidentiality always applies. 

 5. respond and signpost to support others with their mental health.

MHFAs empower and support people to access the right services and resources for them when they need to. Whether that’s through Mind in Bradford’s services, other local services which can be found through Hub of Hope, or even resources that they have access to through MHFA England. This support can also include services through someone’s GP and crisis support.   

Posted on: 12th February 2024