Mental Health First Aid Champion

Gain the necessary knowledge, confidence and skills to have positive mental health conversations. Remove any fear that you may experience, by being equipped with a structured, practical and flexible toolkit.  

During this course you will build your knowledge and awareness of mental health; learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues; and understand how stigma can be a barrier to open conversations in the workplace. Understand how to effectively guide a person towards appropriate support using the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan. You will also develop greater self-awareness around mental wellbeing.  

Research tells us that 1 in 4 people in England experience mental health issues each year, and that 1 in 6 workers in Great Britain will experience issues with depression, anxiety or stress at any given time. It is estimated that the cost of mental ill-health to UK employers is £42-£45bn each year, which considers the cost of absence (c£7bn), presenteeism (c£25-£27bn) (where individuals choose to attend work despite poor mental health but are unproductive in the work they do) and staff turnover (c£9bn). Recent studies tell us that the cost of absenteeism has reduced, however that the cost of presenteeism has increased, which is a great concern to employers.  

People in difficulty or distress often find it challenging to open up because of the stigma associated with mental health issues or fear of being treated differently. A trained Mental Health First Aid Champion can breakdown those initial barriers, have genuine non-judgemental conversations, and provide relief and appropriate support, as well as signposting pathways to pursue further help. You will also develop the skills to safeguard your own mental health.