Manage for mental health and improve workplace well being

In the UK, over half a million workers suffer from mental-health related conditions (this equates to more than one in seven employees), and circa 70 million working days are lost each year due to poor employee well being. This is a stark contrast to 2016/2017 which saw around 12.1 million lost work days. 

The cost to UK employers for lost working days equates to around £2.4bn. 

Providing better mental health support in the workplaces can save UK businesses money every year, but more importantly it is proven to improve staff morale and helps to reduce the risk of tragedy (i.e. suicide). It’s not surprising that workplace stress contributes to around 34% of all mental health problems in the UK, since we spend most of our waking time at work. This really emphasises the importance of training your workforce to respond appropriately to workplace mental well being issues raised in the workplace.  

The importance of First Aid for Mental Health

First Aid for Mental Health ensures that your employees understand the importance of assessing mental health within the workplace and understanding the potential effects on those who may be suffering from mental health issues.

Mental health problems need to be talked about more in the workplace, and gradually we are recognising that mental health is as important as physical health. The right training can help employees to know what to look for and ways in which they can provide aid to those that may be suffering.

Safety First’s ‘First Aid for Mental Health’ Courses

The Safety First team provides a range of Ofqual regulated, nationally recognised ‘First Aid for Mental Health’ qualifications.

The following awards are available to teams via onsite training, which can be delivered as daytime, twilight, evening or weekend courses.

• Level 1 (RQF) First Aid for Mental

Health Awareness – half day course giving a basic introduction to mental health, suitable for staff at all levels

• Level 2 (RQF) First Aid for Mental Health

One day course suitable for those wishing to act as mental health first aiders, or to complement the skills of physical first aiders.

• Level 3 (RQF) Supervising First Aid for Mental Health – two day course suitable for those overseeing mental health arrangements