BBC radio stations share the importance of MHFA training
Content warning: The following interviews mention suicide and lived experience of poor mental health.
To celebrate the launch of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders – England’s first and only membership body for MHFAiders® – employees at First Bus spoke to local BBC radio stations to share the impact and value of MHFA® training within the organisation.
BBC Radio Leeds
John Fielding, a former bus driver turned staff manager, joins Rima Ahmed. They discuss the importance of recognising the signs of a person experiencing poor mental health and being confident to start open conversations.
“After Covid, we were seeing an increase in people asking for support. At the time I didn’t have the knowledge to deal with that,” he told Rima.
John provides an insight into the topics covered in the MHFA course, including how to recognise the signs that someone might be experiencing thoughts of suicide, and shares how he has gone on to support people in his workplace.
“I would say to any business: please invest in your staff. Please get them trained. Anybody that’s thinking about it: take the plunge. It’s a life skill, like physical first aid,” he said.
“If we can get as many people trained to support people, hopefully the statistics will reduce.”
John talks more about his experience as a Mental Health First Aider via the button below.
Lois Taylor, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Partner, joins John Acres. They discuss the challenges bus drivers face in their role and the importance of breaking down the stigma of mental health.
Lois talks about the ease of working with MHFA England® to deliver the training and her surprise at how many people wanted to take the course – exceeding their target of 1 in 50 staff trained.
“We’ve heard about somebody reaching out for support, saying that [the MHFAider] saved their life. If they hadn’t spoken to the Mental Health First Aider that day, they don’t think they would have been here any longer. It really goes to show how mental health first aid can make a difference in the workplace.”
MHFA England is the only organisation that offers ongoing support as part of its mental health training.
When MHFAiders join the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, they gain access to a wide range of exclusive benefits which empower them to fulfil their roles with confidence, skill, and care. As members, they can be proud to know they are helping individuals, workplaces, and communities become more mentally healthy and productive.
Together we can transform how we talk about and support mental health.
