Someone who remains at significant risk of suicide should be under medical supervision and not be at work. However, if the risk has been medically assessed, and an individual does not require medical supervision then working can be a very positive contribution to helping them recover and work may be the best place for them to be. MHFAiders® can help organise their roles with reminders and secure conversation journaling, to safely reflect on their work Once you complete the Mental Health First Aid course, you can test your knowledge and build your confidence in your role as an MHFAider® with the internationally recognised MHFAider® qualification, RSPH Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid. If you are booking as an individual, you can learn more about course optionsand book directly with one of our independent instructors here:

The app provides 24/7 text support for when MHFAiders® are feeling overwhelmed or need guidance for certain situations MHFAiders® have access to regular online events that provide further learning and support, allowing them to continue to perform their role confidently and effectively, long after receiving their initial training And as a result, our course has proven to increase MHFAiders’® confidence in supporting people with mental health issues, meaning they can support your workplace more effectively in the long term. We limit numbers to 16 people per course so that instructors can keep people safe and supported while they learn.

Organisations

Becoming a MHFAider is a significant commitment - if you’re interested in being trained and supporting your colleagues, you can find out more about the training using the relevant link to the MHFA course. Learners will be trained over four live sessions with an MHFA England Instructor Member, covering 14 hours of content in total.​ That's why we offer ongoing support to help MHFAiders® feel confident and empowered - long after they've completed their training course. But while MHFAiders® work to support others, they need support too. It is a crucial part of ensuring that MHFAiders® stay effective, confident and motivated to help their colleagues. Encourage the individual to talk to someone they trust (friend, family member or a mental health helpline such as the Samaritans) and perhaps their manager or HR Helpdesk if they have specific work related concerns. Medium risk

This would need to be agreed and planned with the person’s care team in collaboration with the workplace. A referral to Occupational Health for advice and guidance about a return to work may be useful. Encourage the individual to access NHS mental health services, ideally their own GP, as a matter of urgency and help to ensure that this happens – you could go with them if necessary or ensure someone else does.

MHFA England Instructor Training Programme

MHFAiders are trained across the BBC to recognise the symptoms of mental health problems, to provide initial help in an emergency and guide a person towards appropriate professional help. They are not therapists or medical professionals; they are trained BBC colleagues who can offer immediate assistance in a crisis situation. MHFA was introduced at the BBC in August 2014 and as of March 2018 over 700 BBC staff have been trained. The workplace has changed for people and organisations. In the last few years, we've seen a global pandemic, economic downturns, cost of living pressures, adaptation to hybrid working, the great resignation and a recruitment crisis. It has taken a toll on employees, and now – more than ever – they need mental health support in the workplace. Encourage the individual to access NHS mental health services – this could be their GP or community mental health team (if already engaged with local mental health services) who will know their medical history and be able to direct them to the appropriate service. This course is ideal for individuals who would like to become an MHFAider® to gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health, be confident to start a conversation and signpost a person to appropriate support.​

We strive to create courses and resources that everyone can access. Whenyou book training through MHFA England, please specify if you will need course materials in accessible formats. At MHFA England, providing support, building confidence and growing a community to drive change is crucial to us. It isn't a footnote or a half-hearted line in the small print. We've spent 15 years generating conversation around workplace mental health, and we understand that being an effective MHFAider® requires learning and support beyond training. Train as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) and receive three years of certification, plus access to ongoing benefits.

Individuals

Each session builds on the previous, enabling the learner to gain confidence in supporting others with a Mental Health First Aid action plan. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) follows similar principles to physical / traditional first aid. It provides urgent help to someone in a mental health crisis. Online or face-to-face course structured across four flexible sessions. Each session is a maximum of 3hrs 45mins and sessions can be delivered within a two week period. Additionally, MHFAiders® receive access to exclusive events so that they can continue to develop their support for your workplace beyond the training course In addition, Access Services may be able to provide advice and information to employee and manager about any reasonable adjustments that may need to be considered to support the person’s mental health at work. What is Mental Health First Aid at the BBC?