Mental Health First Aid: Supporting Wellbeing in the Workplace

Mental health issues affect one in four people in the UK each year, and the workplace is no exception. Just as we train staff to respond to physical injuries, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) equips employees with the skills to recognise, understand, and respond to signs of mental health issues—potentially saving lives and transforming workplace culture.

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid is an internationally recognised training programme that teaches people how to identify, understand, and help someone who may be developing a mental health issue or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just like physical first aid, it provides initial support until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

MHFA doesn't train people to be therapists or counsellors. Instead, it gives them the confidence and skills to have supportive conversations and guide colleagues towards appropriate help.

Why Businesses Need Mental Health First Aiders

The business case for mental health training is compelling:

• Mental health costs UK employers £56 billion annually through absenteeism, presenteeism, and staff turnover
• 70 million working days are lost each year due to mental health problems
• 1 in 6 workers experience mental health problems like anxiety and depression at any given time
• For every £1 invested in mental health interventions, employers see an average return of £5

Beyond the numbers, having trained Mental Health First Aiders demonstrates that your organisation takes employee wellbeing seriously—improving morale, loyalty, and your reputation as an employer.

What Does MHFA Training Cover?

A comprehensive Mental Health First Aid course typically covers:

Understanding Mental Health

• What mental health is and how to challenge stigma
• The mental health continuum—from thriving to struggling to unwell
• Risk factors and protective factors for mental health

Common Mental Health Issues

• Depression – recognising signs, symptoms, and how to help
• Anxiety disorders – including generalised anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
• Stress – understanding the difference between pressure and harmful stress
• Psychosis – what it is and how to respond
• Eating disorders – warning signs and supportive approaches
• Self-harm – understanding why people self-harm and how to help
• Substance misuse – the relationship between mental health and addiction

Crisis First Aid

• How to support someone having a panic attack
• How to support someone who is suicidal
• How to support someone who is self-harming
• How to support someone experiencing psychosis

The ALGEE Action Plan

MHFA teaches a structured approach to helping someone:

• Approach, assess, and assist with any crisis
• Listen and communicate non-judgementally
• Give support and information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage other supports (self-help strategies, social support)

Signs Someone May Be Struggling

Mental Health First Aiders learn to spot changes that might indicate someone is struggling:

• Changes in behaviour, mood, or personality
• Withdrawal from colleagues or social activities
• Decreased productivity or increased errors
• Increased absence or lateness
• Changes in appearance or personal hygiene
• Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Increased irritability or emotional outbursts
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

How Many Mental Health First Aiders Do You Need?

While there's no legal requirement for Mental Health First Aiders (unlike physical first aiders), best practice suggests:

• Aim for a ratio of approximately 1 MHFA-trained person per 10-20 employees
• Ensure coverage across different departments, shifts, and locations
• Consider having MHFAs at different levels of seniority
• Think about diversity—some employees may feel more comfortable approaching certain colleagues

Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace

MHFA training is most effective as part of a broader approach to workplace mental health:

• Leadership commitment – senior leaders should champion mental health
• Open culture – normalise conversations about mental health
• Clear policies – have procedures for supporting employees with mental health issues
• Reasonable adjustments – be flexible to support employees who are struggling
• Employee assistance programmes – provide access to professional support
• Stress management – address workplace factors that contribute to poor mental health

The Role of a Mental Health First Aider

It's important to understand what MHFAs do and don't do:

They do:

• Provide a first point of contact for someone experiencing mental health issues
• Listen without judgement
• Offer reassurance and support
• Signpost to appropriate professional help
• Help reduce stigma around mental health

They don't:

• Diagnose mental health conditions
• Provide ongoing counselling or therapy
• Replace professional mental health services
• Take on responsibility for someone's mental health

Course Options

Mental Health First Aid training is available at different levels:

• Mental Health Awareness (half day) – basic understanding for all employees
• Mental Health First Aid Champion (1 day) – intermediate level for those wanting to support colleagues
• Mental Health First Aider (2 days) – full certification to become a workplace Mental Health First Aider