UK 
United StatesThe Benefits of Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace
If an organisation has a mental health first aider (MHFAider) or mental health champion provision in place, those people who volunteer can often become the first point of contact for people when they are struggling with their mental health.
The severity of the concerns raised can range drastically from concerns about family and friends’ or personal wellbeing, to discussions around suicidal ideations. Often, the role of mental health first aider is a secondary role, so it’s important that those volunteers are in a comfortable place to be able to support themselves as well as others. You know the phrase; you can’t pour from an empty cup!
No matter how prepared or stable someone might feel to undertake a mental health first aid role, it’s possible that there will be discussions around some extremely difficult topics. Some of the discussions may cause the MHFAider to feel great sympathy or empathy for the person who is reaching out, but it’s important to know how to maintain boundaries. Whilst all the necessary skills will be taught to the individuals at the point of initial training, over time it’s natural for some of these skills to be forgotten or not adhered to.
Mental Health First Aid Support enables organisations to offer employee mental health provision safely and effectively. Delivered by qualified therapists to support the following areas;
Maintaining boundaries
An MHFA is not a therapist but a bridge to appropriate support. Clear boundaries ensure they don’t take on a role that they are not trained for. It can also help maintain a safe and supportive environment whilst protecting their own wellbeing.
Continually developing skills
It’s important to keep up with best practices as mental health strategies evolve, staying informed ensure they provide the most effective and timely help.
Developing confidence
Ongoing learning can help improve a mental health first aiders confidence and competence by improving the ability to recognise signs of mental health issues and respond appropriately.
Managing personal wellbeing
By managing personal wellbeing, a MHFA can prevent burnout or compassion fatigue and ensure more effective support.
Managing organisational risk
If an MHFA is overwhelmed or unsupported, they may experience stress related burnout leading to absenteeism or reduced productivity in the workplace. In time this can present more risks to the organisation in relation to their day-to-day duties.
Types of support we offer and why?
Taking a flexible and responsible approach to the provision of support enables organisations to reduce organisational risk in relation to the MHFA’s themselves as well as those going to them for support. At Rightsteps, we provide three different types of support.
Individual Sessions
Scheduled sessions with our therapists that will allow your Mental Health First Aider to reflect and to explore any impact on them as individuals.
Group Sessions
Scheduled group sessions with our therapist, to provide your Mental Health First Aider with an opportunity to share and learn from others in a structured and supported way. Peer-to-peer support is a powerful tool when it comes to development and shared experiences.
Trauma related Support
Ad hoc sessions provide your Mental Health First Aiders with an opportunity to de-brief following any traumatic or difficult incidents in a structured way.
