What is the role of a mental health first aider in the workplace

Improving mental health in the workplace is a win-win investment for both employee and corporate growth.

Although we’ve made great strides, we’re still working at breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. Employers are responsible for promoting an open and inclusive culture that is understanding and supportive of employees experiencing mental health conditions.

Employers can look after their workforce’s mental health by employing and training a mental health first aider. In this article, we will learn more about the responsibilities of mental health first aiders and why your workplace needs one.

What is a mental health first aider?

Mental health first aiders play a vital role in maintaining good employee mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

To carry out the role of mental health first aider, individuals must complete professional training to equip them with the skills and knowledge required to provide effective mental health support.

Mental health first aiders act as a first point of contact for employees who find themselves struggling with their mental health. They have a good understanding of mental health conditions and how to recognise them and can signpost individuals to relevant professional support services and resources.

As well as providing vital support to employees, they also help to boost overall company wellbeing.

In this article, we will learn more about the role of a mental health first aider and their significant impact in the workplace.

What responsibilities do mental health first aiders have?

Mental health first aiders are responsible for championing good mental health at work and acting as a supporting and understanding first point of contact for employees struggling with mental health.

Key responsibilities of mental health first aiders include:

• Recognise signs and symptoms of poor mental health.
• Initiate supportive conversations with those struggling with their mental health.
• Provide a non-judgmental, compassionate, confidential and understanding space for people to discuss their mental health.
• Assess the risk of self-harm or suicide and escalate to emergency services if necessary.
• Recommend appropriate professional support services and resources.
• Promote a positive mental health culture in the workplace.

Mental health first aiders play a key role in promoting a positive and inclusive workplace culture that is understanding and supportive of those experiencing poor mental health.

Why have mental health first aiders in the workplace?

Did you know that one in six workers deal with mental health problems like anxiety and depression?

For many of us, most of our waking hours are spent at work. So, it makes sense that the environmentand culture that we work in have a big impact on the state of our mental health.

Employers have a duty of care to their employees, including looking after their mental health and wellbeing at work.

Employing mental health first aiders in the workplace offers several advantages for employers and employees; let’s find out what those are.

Creating an inclusive work environment

By starting conversations about mental wellbeing and offering support when needed, mental health first aiders help create a more inclusive and supportive work environment. This can help to boost the workforce’s overall morale.

Promoting a positive mental health culture

Part of a mental health first aider’s role is to start conversations surrounding mental health. Creating an open dialogue about mental health can help to reduce stigma in the workplace, making it easier for employees to seek help and support when they need it.

Early intervention

Mental health first aiders are trained to recognise signs and symptoms of mental health conditions. If they can spot the signs that someone is struggling early and step in to offer support, this early intervention can prevent the problem from escalating.

Fostering a healthier, happier workforce

Employees who feel understood, included, and supported at work are often healthier and happier. When morale is high, employees tend to be more motivated, creative, and productive at work.

Fewer sick days and absence

When mental health is supported and problems are spotted and addressed early on, it can improve the workforce’s overall health and wellbeing. Employees with good mental wellbeing take fewer sick days, creating a more reliable workforce and reducing the costs associated with sickness and absenteeism.

Enhanced productivity

Finally, a happy and healthy workforce enhances creativity, engagement, and productivity, positively impacting the organisation’s performance.

What training do mental health first aiders have?

Supporting mental health at work is a legal requirement and ethically the right thing to do. We all struggle with our mental health from time to time throughout our lives, and no one should have to feel alone when they’re going through a rough patch. To promote positive mental health, employers must take responsibility for implementing policies, procedures, and support systems that promote inclusivity and a positive mental health culture.

Company culture usually filters down from the top, so those in managerial and leadership positions must receive professional mental health training to help them offer support and start conversations surrounding mental health.

At Care Business Associate Training, we run a popular FAA Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health (RFQ). The course runs over four afternoons and equips individuals with all the skills and knowledge required to identify mental health conditions and provide mental health first aid at work.

The course can be accessed through in-person training sessions or online via an interactive virtual classroom.

For more information about this course or to find out about similar courses we run, call our team on 01772 816 922 or email admin@cba-training.co.uk.