You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
Happy new year (we’re still in January after all!). 2022 has certainly set off a pace. We hope that the coming year is a better one for us as individuals, families (chosen and biological), communities and workplaces.
We are approaching two years since the pandemic took hold in the UK. Two years of a virus that has left pain and trauma in its wake. As well as the direct health consequences of the virus, the pandemic has exacerbated and amplified pre-existing inequalities and created new instances of financial hardship. At the same time, the world is waking up to the stark realities of systemic racism, to violence against girls and women and the climate crisis.
The Centre for Mental Health estimates that 10 million people may need mental health support because of the pandemic. At the same time, the Royal College of Psychiatry has noted the rising waiting lists for mental health services, with demand outstripping provision even before the pandemic.
It isn’t just about services of course. It is about building communities that care, and here we can be optimistic. We know people want to support each other. Neighbourhood and community support has developed through the pandemic and we have seen a rise of localised networks. We care. We want to support each other.
As a community of Mental Health First Aiders, we have knowledge and skills to take that care to the next level. We can use our skills to support our own mental health and the mental health of each other.
Since the 1 April 2020 we have trained over 234,000 people. Across England there are now 479,000 MHFAiders overall. We are, can and must use every ounce of empathy and understanding to support one another.
The pandemic has put mental health higher on the agenda. We must celebrate that. The paradox is that people are speaking more openly about their mental health at a time when our NHS is stretched, and many voluntary and community services are struggling for funds. People are looking for support but often don’t know where turn.
As MHFAiders we can help create spaces and places free of stigma, where people feel it's okay to ask for the support that they or their loved ones need.
As Chair and CEO, when we did our Mental Health First Aid training, we were both inspired and more importantly, equipped to have better conversations about mental health and wellbeing. We are using that confidence and the skills we learned more and more in our communities and networks. We know many of you are doing the same. Thank you!
Our ask today is do people know that you are an MHFAider? Are you talking about it so people are aware you are a person they can trust? Are you displaying your digital badge on your social platforms?
Please let people know you care, that you understand mental health and mental health stigma. Remind them that you have the skills to be a safe pair of ears and a guiding hand to signpost to other forms of support – be that self-care, community or clinical support.
As a community who have chosen to support others, now is the time for us to make ourselves known, as the demand for that support is growing.
Of course, our ability to support others is predicated on looking after ourselves and practising our own self-care. Look after yourselves too and turn to you fellow MHFAiders if you need support.
Thank you for everything you do as a community of Mental Health First Aiders. We appreciate it, as do the people you support.