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Birmingham and Solihull Mental health NHS Foundation Trust
Better Together
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Mental Health First Aid

Mental health in the workplace is everyone's business;

  • One in six employees are likely to experience problems with stress, anxiety or depression at any one time.
  • Stress, anxiety and depression are responsible for 70 million sick days every year.
  • In 2009/10, it was estimated that mental health problems that were not being supported cost UK businesses £30.3bn per annum. This is equivalent to £1,206 per employee per year (Centre for Mental Health, 2010).
MHFA logo
Mental Health First Aid is an educational course which teaches people how to identify, understand and help a person who may be developing a mental health issue. In the same way as we learn physical first aid, Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to recognize those crucial warning signs of mental ill health.

Developed in Australia in 2000 and now internationally recognised in 23 countries, the MHFA course teaches people how to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues provide help on a first aid basis and effectively guide someone towards the right support services.
 
This work was identified as a priority for the Community Engagement Team as much can be gained from a ‘community asset’ approach, particularly in working with community and voluntary sector organisations, including faith-based organisations, to equip people with knowledge and skills to understand and manage their own mental health and that of those close to them. This is especially important within BME communities, since there are considerable inequalities for these groups in accessing information, support and services.

Adult - Two Day Training Course

The Adult Mental Health First Aid course is a 2 day course for:

  • Any adult (16+) who wishes to learn more about mental health issues
  • People who, on a personal level, are supporting those with mental health needs
  • People who, in the course of their work, are supporting those with mental health needs
  • Anybody working in the field of mental health


The course will teach you to:

  • Spot the early signs of a mental health problem
  • Feel confident helping someone experiencing a problem
  • Provide help on a first aid basis
  • Help prevent someone from hurting themselves or others
  • Help stop a mental illness from getting worse
  • Help someone recover faster
  • Guide someone towards the right support
  • Reduce the stigma of mental health problems


We’re currently hosting open courses to all members of the public on the following dates:

  • 27 - 28 June 2019 - 9.30am - 4.30pm - Uffculme Centre, Queensbridge Road, Moseley, B13 8QY

  • 12 - 13 September 2019 - 9.30am - 4.30pm - Uffculme Centre, Queensbridge Roaf, Moseley, B13 8QY


You can book your place on the course by completing and the registration form below and returning to bsmhft.communityengagement@nhs.net

We can also provide the MHFA Adult course in your workplace, for a minimum of 12 people. If you’d like to know more about this course, please email bsmhft.communityengagement@nhs.net or call us on 0121 301 1067.


Mental Health First Aid booking form

Mental Health First Aid course information

Mental Health First Aid leaflet