Local Employers Encouraged to Benefit from Mental Health First Aid Initiatives

A vital two-day training programme which equips staff with essential skills to provide immediate mental health support in their workplace, is being offered by the NHS Western Isles Public Health Department.

The Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) training courses are now available for employers across the Outer Hebrides. A recent course took place on 22nd and 23rd July in Laxdale Hall in Stornoway, with participants representing a diverse range of local organisations.

The training empowers individuals to recognise early signs and symptoms of mental health problems, offer non-judgmental support and reassurance, and guide those in distress towards appropriate professional help. Participants also learn to assist anyone developing or experiencing a mental health issue, or in crisis, until professional intervention is secured, or the crisis resolves.

Norma Macleod, NHS Western Isles Healthy Working Lives Advisor, said “Feedback from our recent successful event saw attendees particularly highlight the value of the course.  In addition, they said it helped increase their confidence in addressing mental health challenges in the workplace, whilst would also help them foster a supportive environment for their colleagues."

Comments from course participants included:

“An excellent course, informative and relevant to my work role.”

“Excellent course that was both thought provoking and practical in terms of mental health condition, how they can be supported in work setting and other situations and how to approach and support these in a range of circumstances and exactly what our role should be without crossing any boundaries.”

“Cannot rate this course highly enough. Both Norma and Ann were fantastic at giving clear and engaging presentations. They are both clearly very knowledgeable and I feel it has given me a solid foundation for being the company MHFA. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course to others.”

“The training was excellent throughout, learning the word “parking" for my own thoughts helped me with the visual of what parking means to me. Learning the model of ALGEE and how it can be used for everyone that is in crisis. I must add that having training with a variety of different people with varied experience and learning from each other and making new connections with what other services are doing.”

“This training was excellent, enhanced what we are already doing and reminded us of what to do and what not to do when someone is in crisis. Gave a better understanding how to respond in each situation.”

NHS Western Isles encourages all local employers to consider enrolling their staff in future SMHFA courses to promote mental wellbeing across their communities, and help create safer, more supportive workplaces.

There are a number of funded places available, and to book a place on an upcoming course, or for further course information, please contact Norma Macleod, NHS Western Isles Healthy Working Lives Advisor, by emailing: norma.macleod1@nhs.scot

Above: (L-R) Trainers: Norma Macleod (NHS Western Isles Healthy Working Lives Advisor) and Anne Mathie (Mental Wealth Training)