The benefits of mental health first aiders in the workplace

The benefits of mental health first aiders in the workplace

​Whilst there are statutory provisions covering first aid provision generally, there's no requirement to have a mental health first aider. However, it's increasingly being seen as best practice. What are the benefits of mental health first aiders (MHFAs)?

​First aid provision

​The law requires you to have first aid provision that's "adequate and appropriate" for your workplace, which as a minimum includes a suitably stocked first aid kit, an "appointed person" to take charge of first aid arrangements (they don't need to have any formal training) and information for all staff about first aid arrangements, e.g. where the first aid kit is located and who the appointed person is.

​Assess needs. To assess the first aid needs for your workplace, you should first conduct a first aid needs assessment. The findings of this should help you decide whether you also need trained first aiders. These are persons trained by a competent training provider in first aid at work (FAW) or emergency first aid at work (EFAW) - the latter requires less training as it's a one-day course whereas FAW is a three-day course. If you do have trained first aiders, you won't also need an appointed person.

Tip. There are no hard and fast rules on the exact number of trained first aiders you will require but the HSE has provided guidelines on the suggested number based on whether you have a low-risk or higher-risk workplace and how many employees there are.

​Mental health first aiders

​Having a MHFA isn't a legal requirement, but it can be a valuable part of workplace health and wellbeing. The HSE also encourages you to consider mental health in your first aid needs assessment.

​An MHFA is an employee who has been trained to: (1) identify and understand the symptoms and warning signs of mental ill health; (2) offer initial support to someone who might be experiencing mental ill health or a mental health crisis, while keeping themselves safe; (3) guide that person to appropriate professional assistance, such as their GP, an employee assistance programme, etc; and (4) know how to access emergency professional help if needed. MHFAs are not therapists or counsellors, and they need to maintain boundaries so that they don't take on a role they aren't trained for, but they are a bridge to appropriate support and they can often become the first point of contact for employees who are struggling with their mental health. They can also help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, encouraging staff to seek assistance without fear of judgement.

Tip. There is a wide range of training providers offering mental health first aid training and details can be found through an online search.

Tip. If you have first aiders already trained in FAW or EFAW, mental health first aid training could be an add-on to their role if they are willing to agree, e.g. the British Red Cross offers a free mental health for first aiders online course to every learner booked on its FAW or EFAW courses. Refresher training at regular intervals is also advisable.

Trap. It's important that MHFAs are in a comfortable place with their own mental health and wellbeing to be able to give initial support to others, so this role isn't for everyone. Regularly check in with MHFAs to ensure they are not being overburdened and are not struggling with their role.

​Having trained MHFAs in the workplace can ensure mental ill health is identified at an early stage and that initial support is offered, with signposting to appropriate professional support. This can help to improve health and wellbeing in the workplace and create a safer environment. It can also help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health

Kelly Anstee