We have hit a major milestone. We have now trained 1 million learners in mental health knowledge, awareness, and skills and we couldn’t be prouder!
When MHFA England was launched in 2007 we were living in different times. Whilst mental health stigma remains, much has changed for the better. Without a doubt there is significantly more focus on mental health at work and in society more broadly.
As a social enterprise, our vision is to improve the mental health of the nation. We’ll achieve this through our mission to train one in ten people in mental health knowledge, awareness and skills. Through training 1 in 10 people, we will create a tipping point for long term and widespread change in society’s approach and attitude to mental health.
To give you an idea of how quickly we are progressing towards our mission, at the beginning of the global pandemic we were at 1 in 74 of the adult population. Today, we have trained 1 in 38. This is a huge step towards our vision to improve the mental health of the nation.
Speaking about the achievement, our Chief Executive, Simon Blake, said:
“Since MHFA England started we have trained one million people in mental health first aid, mental health knowledge, awareness, and skills.
"If you have attended one of our courses, you truly are one in a million. Together we are helping to change and save lives: protecting and supporting everyone’s mental health, tackling stigma and helping people access the help and support when they need it.
"Thank you to everyone who has worked hard to get here including our Instructor Members, the workplace commissioners and MHFA Network coordinators, community organisations, partners, collaborators and the staff team.
"Training is an important piece of the jigsaw in creating a nation that understands mental health - how to protect and promote their own and others. Our mission to train 1 in 10 of the adult population is about creating the long-lasting cultural change that is so badly needed.
"Together we can continue to build a society where everyone’s mental health matters.”
Read the stories of those who have helped us reach a million
To celebrate this phenomenal moment in our history, we chatted to a few of the people who have helped us to reach 1 million learners. Learn more below.
Blog post: One million learners and counting
Blog post: Behind the scenes of one million learners
