One in four people will suffer from a mental health problem at some time in their lives. Our mental health will have an impact on how we think or behave with anxiety and depression being the most common problems effecting not just the individual but those around them. Work related stress that takes place over a long period can lead to both physical and psychological damage making anxiety and depression a more serious condition to deal with. In 2018 600,000 cases of work related stress, depression or anxiety were reported with an estimated economic and social cost of £105 billion. Employers have a legal responsibility to help their employees and by having members of the team trained in First Aid for Mental Health initial support can be provided and the sufferer can be signposted to professional help.
In a February 2024 update to the HSE Publication L74, First Aid at Work an amendment was made stating
It may also be helpful to have people trained to identify and understand mental ill health symptoms who are able to support someone who is experiencing a mental health issue. You may decide that someone with an FAW or EFAW qualification is already able to provide initial support and reassurance to a worker experiencing an acute mental health episode, but you should consider if any further training is required. You should be satisfied that they:
- Know how to access professional help if necessary
- Can act promptly, safely and effectively until that help is available
all4T training in First Aid for Mental Health can help reduce the impact this widely recognised issue can have on your business. Three regulated courses are offered covering mental health training.
