Rock Solid Knowledge
So, what is mental health first aid training?
Well, just as CPR helps you assist someone experiencing a heart attack, mental health first aid (MHFA) helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use related crisis.
Why is it essential?
Here at Rock Solid Knowledge we have a high percentage of male employees and like many other companies, men’s mental health is something that has come into sharp focus over the last few years. When we looked at the statistics surrounding this, we knew we had to do something to create a space where men feel able to ask for help.
We asked The Good Mental Health Company to describe their work
Sarah and Ben Perry (a husband-and-wife team) established The Good Mental Health Company to ensure that businesses in the UK, and beyond, have access to high quality, regulated First Aid for Mental Health training.
Sarah qualifies as a psychotherapist in May 2022 and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Mental Health and training delivery.
We support your learning every step of the way and offer ongoing support and development opportunities to all qualified First Aiders for Mental Health. - Sarah Perry, Founder of The Good Mental Health Company and Lead Trainer
We became aware that the majority of Mental Health First Aid training only offered a certificate of attendance, and we believe that it is important to offer a course where each learner qualifies after successfully completing a regulated course requiring an assessment.
Many people, when encountering someone in emotional distress, feel unsure of what to do and how to help the distressed individual find the ongoing support they need.
The First Aider for Mental Health provides the support necessary to alleviate the immediate emotional distress, and is a catalyst towards recovery. They know what to do if a mental health problem or crisis presents itself and, with confidence, know how to engage someone in a supportive and open conversation about the next steps by following the CARE action plan.
Additionally, they have an insight and understanding into the mental health conditions they are most likely to encounter in their role. This includes topics such as decreasing the stigma related to mental health and illness, and potentially difficult conversations about suicide.
The 3 main stages of our training are:
- Online live webinars,
- Individual study undertaken by each learner at their own pace, and
- An assessment which is booked with a live assessor.
Once successfully completed, the learner becomes a fully qualified First Aider for Mental Health and will know what to do, and how to encourage someone to obtain the professional help they may need both within the workplace, and outside.
Main takeaways for RSK
We found this course to be a really effective way to understand and learn the responsibilities of a Mental Health First Aider.
MHFA is just the first step we’ve taken at Rock Solid Knowledge to create a more inclusive, open environment but it is an ongoing conversation, and we are always looking for ways to better support each other.
🌻 Anyone can experience mental health struggles
🌻 It’s totally okay not to know how to help someone encountering emotional distress – that’s what the training is for!
🌻 Inclusivity is rooted in kindness and that includes you, please make sure you’re getting the support you need
If you or someone you know is in crisis please call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained counsellor at the Crisis Text Line
