Why Mental Health First Aiders Are Essential in the Workplace
Mental Health First Aiders play a vital role in creating a mentally healthy workplace. By promoting a supportive and open culture, they help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure that no employee feels isolated when facing emotional or psychological challenges. Their presence contributes to a safer, more inclusive, and more productive working environment.
At SS&L, we believe healthy teams make for thriving workplaces. Whether you’re a business leader, a future team member, or one of our learners, understanding the role of Mental Health First Aiders can help you create, or be part of, a more supportive and resilient environment.
But what does it really mean to be a Mental Health First Aider in the workplace? We spoke with our own trained Mental Health First Aiders to learn what the role means to them, both personally and professionally. Here’s what they shared:
What inspired you to become a Mental Health First Aider?
“I first became a mental health first aider with my previous employer, when I became responsible for a team. I wanted to have the tools to look after their wellbeing as well as their work. As a manager it is so important to be able to signpost and support people with the challenges they’re facing as well as supporting their work. Being an MHFA is not about counselling or being an expert – it’s about knowing where to find help and pointing people in the right direction when confronting challenges. We all face different levels of mental health/ill health throughout life, just like we get physically unwell. We’d never expect people to deal with diabetes, flu, or broken bones without knowing where they can get help – for me, it’s the same with our mental wellbeing.”
What are some small changes that workplaces can make to promote better mental health?
“I think the most powerful thing people can do is be honest about their own experience. While we’re hiding from the reality of mental health, we keep the stigma around it. Stress, anxiety, feeling a little low, or on the other side feeling really excited or happy – they’re normal emotions. If we can share (obviously with appropriate professional boundaries!) the breadth of our experiences then we’ll create a more emotionally safe workplace.”
Heidi Oliver – Business Development Manager
At SS&L, we believe healthy teams make for thriving workplaces. Whether you’re a business leader, a future team member, or one of our learners, understanding the role of Mental Health First Aiders can help you create, or be part of, a more supportive and resilient environment.What motivated you to train as a Mental Health First Aider?
“In my previous job, I used to lead on safeguarding and team wellbeing, so it was a natural step to train to be a MHFA. This was because so many of the issues presented were around mental health. I wanted to have more knowledge to be more able to support them.”
What are some easy things workplaces can do to help support better mental health?
“I think some of these SS&L already do, but there is always room for improvement! Taking regular breaks from screens and taking a lunch break. Have flexible working options that can work alongside someone’s mental health needs. Include mental health check-ins during 1:1s and talking openly about workloads and wellbeing.”
Are there any myths about mental health you’d like to debunk?
“That therapy is only for people with really serious mental health problems.”
Tracey Mortimore – Adult Learning Manager
If you would like to find out more about Mental Health First Aiders, or are thinking of becoming one, please visit https://mhfaengland.org/ for more information. Alternatively, explore our own Health and Wellbeing courses to find something inspiring. 🫶