Eight people across the RiskSTOP Group have become qualified Mental Health First Aiders, so that they can help any of their colleagues in need of support.
Four of our terrific group of Mental Health First Aiders (left to right): George Foot, Natalie Clark, Bethany Weaver and Dawn Hutchinson
The qualification, developed by Mental Health First Aid England, teaches adults how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing mental health issues.
The course, which is delivered online, focuses on listening and reassurance skills and helps those taking part to not only recognise the key warning signs of mental ill health, but gives people the confidence to approach and support others.
“There was a moment on this course where everything fell into place,” said Bethany Weaver, Senior Network Coordinator. “It made me realise that mental health issues need to be responded to, just as it is with physical ill health. If a colleague fell over and hurt themselves at work, we wouldn’t just step back and say that’s not my problem. So why would we shy away from mental health?
“Of course, feeling confident about what can be done to help is a big part of this. It was great completing the course with others and we now have a magnificent group of people at RiskSTOP Group who are just more aware and others we work with can turn to. I feel incredibly proud to be part of this new support group.”
Natalie Joyce, RiskSTOP Group HR Manager, who also took the qualification, said: “This is another step in our journey around tackling mental ill health and making these kind of issues more visible and less stigmatised. We always say we put people at the heart of everything we do here and that includes everyone’s well-being. Well done the team!”
RiskSTOP Group also recently won the ‘Mental Wellbeing and Awareness’ category at the Dorchester and Poundbury Business Awards.
Find out more about Mental Health First Aid England here.