developing partners whymhfa

1 in 4 people will experience some form of mental health problem in any one year. Throughout the course of any persons lifetime it is highly likely that they will either develop a mental health problem themselves or have close contact with someone who does. By attending the mental health first aid programme, delegates gain more of an understanding and acquire skills to respond in a positive way towards mental ill health.

Through increasing knowledge and awareness of mental ill health, people will also be able to recognise their own problems and feel more comfortable about seeking assistance. In the workplace, this will enable employees to be appropriately supported. Over the long term this will increase skills retention and employee wellbeing.

"Stress, anxiety and depression accounted for a third of the 168 million working days lost in the UK for health and related reasons in 2004, translating to a cost of sickness absence of about £4.1 billion." *

Mental Health First Aid teaches people how to recognise the symptoms of common mental health problems, how to provide initial support, and how to signpost someone towards appropriate professional help.

*(Confederation of British Industry 2005)

For more information about Mental Health

First Aid training, please contact our MHFA co-ordinator - Claire Russell on 07757 594597

email: claire.russell@developingpartners.org.uk