Accreditation Status
- Instructor Member ()
Course Accreditation Status
Instructor Profile
Personal Details
I am a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor based in the West Midlands, delivering accredited MHFA England training to organisations and individuals who want to build healthier, more supportive workplaces.
My journey into MHFA training began in 2018 after seeing so many people struggle with poor mental health without the understanding or support they needed. Discovering MHFA England’s evidence-based courses inspired me to become an instructor so I could empower others with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to recognise and respond to mental health challenges.
I find it incredibly rewarding to see the impact this training has in helping teams open up conversations, reduce stigma, and create cultures where people feel safe, heard, and valued.
Alongside my MHFA work, I have a strong background as a professional coach, supporting individuals and teams across education, the NHS, prison services, and corporate sectors. My passion lies in helping people develop new ways of thinking, achieve their goals, and make a lasting positive impact within their organisations and wider communities.
Work Experience
Since 2015, I have built a strong reputation as a trusted coach and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor, working across a wide range of sectors to empower people and organisations to thrive.
My coaching journey began with a focus on helping individuals develop their emotional intelligence, confidence, communication skills, and capacity for personal and professional growth. Over the years, I’ve coached leaders and managers to lead with empathy and effectiveness, while also supporting individuals to overcome barriers, build resilience, and make meaningful, lasting change.
I’m passionate about making coaching accessible to everyone. As an associate coach for charities and community projects, I’ve had the privilege of working with people in prisons, schools, and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) creating opportunities for those who might not otherwise access personal development support. This aspect of my work is incredibly rewarding and reinforces my belief that with the right tools and guidance, everyone can grow and succeed.
Alongside my MHFA work, I deliver training in coaching skills to managers and leaders within both the corporate and public sectors, including the NHS. I also design and facilitate bespoke workshops on topics such as wellbeing, resilience, and effective communication, helping teams to foster mentally healthy and high-performing workplaces.
Since qualifying as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor in 2018, I have delivered the Adult 2-Day MHFA England course to diverse audiences across the West Midlands and beyond. I take pride in creating a safe, engaging learning environment where delegates gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support others and contribute to positive cultural change within their organisations.
With a degree in Counselling Psychology, my passion for mental health and personal development continues to guide every aspect of my work, whether I’m coaching one-to-one, training leaders, or equipping teams to support each other’s wellbeing.
Qualifications
BSc Hons Counselling Psychology, University of Worcester
ILM Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring
Neuro Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Level 2
Introduction to Mindfulness
Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-shields-23b94284/
Contact Me