Word On Mental Health First Aid

Our grateful thanks to St John Ambulance (www.sja.org.uk) for their contribution to our radio report, which you can hear again via the audio player at the bottom of this page.      

Mental Health First Aid courses are important because they give people the skills and confidence to recognise and respond appropriately when someone is struggling with their mental health — just as physical first aid training helps with physical emergencies.

Mental Health First Aiders are trained to notice early signs of mental ill-health and provide initial support, helping someone feel heard and respected, and then guiding them to professional help or other resources when needed. This can reduce stigma, create more supportive workplaces and communities, and ensure people get help sooner rather than later.

On St John Ambulance’s 2-day course, you learn:

• What mental health is, and how it can be affected by stress, life events, work or other factors.
• How to recognise common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges - from anxiety and depression to crisis situations such as panic attacks or suicidal thoughts.
• Practical skills like active listening, empathetic conversation and a structured Mental Health Action Plan to help support someone safely.
• How to signpost or guide someone towards appropriate professional support and understand relevant workplace responsibilities.
• Ways to contribute to a positive mental health culture where people feel able to talk about their wellbeing.

Completing the course can make a real difference by equipping people with both the understanding and confidence to step in early, offer meaningful support and help create environments where mental health is taken seriously and supported with compassion.

Listen to this weeks radio report