1day Workplace Mental Health First Aider training was designed to enable people to raise their awareness about what influences mental health, both for themselves and others, and how to foster a supportive environment in the workplace to encourage psychological wellbeing. The training covered a range of factors that can increase psychological vulnerability alongside those that build psychological resilience.

The course covers signs and symptoms of mental discomfort and distress and what is meant by common terms such as stress, anxiety and depression. You then explored what impacts our tolerance to these and what the signs of these may be in a workplace setting.

You considered what it means to be a ‘Wellbeing Champion/ buddy/ First AIder’, and the boundaries and expectations of such a role. We explained what is helpful to people in distress and how basic psychoeducation can help spot early warning signs and assist people in feeling both cared for at work and more confident to access appropriate support.

The course also aimed to empower you to take control of your own mental health. You learnt a range of self-help strategies that are effective in managing psychological wellbeing. We also discussed signposting to professional support and what different types of support involve so if accessed, you know what is likely to happen and how it is intended to help.