Accreditation Status
- Instructor Member ()
Course Accreditation Status
Instructor Profile
Personal Details
Hi, I’m Tracy and I’ve become a mental health evangelist!
Find out more at www.openmindsmentalhealth.co.uk .. or read on...
I became a Mental Health First Aider over 10 years ago, following the tragic loss of a brilliant young person who died by suicide, shortly before he was to perform at the arts centre I was running. This was a huge wake up call for me, and I realised that I had no idea how to support the people I was working with, or indeed my friends and family. This led me to discover MHFA. My training was truly life changing, so much so that I believe everyone should have this knowledge and learn these skills. To say that it really could ‘change the world’ sounds over the top, but let me explain…
I have experienced how debilitating mental illness can be. In my late teens I developed an eating disorder that caused deep depression for me, preventing me from finishing my degree course. It continued to be something I had to manage, sometimes more successfully than others, for many years. I always felt that I wanted to use this experience to help others and try to reduce the life-limiting impact mental ill health can have.
Having had to travel 100 miles to do the training to become a Mental Health First Aider, I took further training to be able to train others, and now offer a range of accredited courses for individuals and corporate groups from my base in the South West.
Such is my passion, I have now left full-time work as a Director of an Arts Centre to train as many people as I can in the courses that MHFA England offer and I LOVE IT!
I feel utterly privileged to get to spend time with people from all sorts of backgrounds, hearing about their experiences and being able to introduce them to skills which can change lives. MHFA helps people understand how to support their own wellbeing better, as well as how to help friends, families and colleagues to remain well or recover from ill health, even it they reach a crisis point. Most importantly this training helps break down the stigma and discrimination that is so often what is most disabling about mental illness for so many.
I have since taken further training including ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and Suicide First Aid Training. Tragically so many of the people I train have been affected by suicide, so this training has enabled me to support people’s learning in more depth. I am also volunteering for ‘Shout’ a text helpline for people in crisis which has provided me with more training, insight and opportunities to support people which has enhanced my skills as a trainer.
So please come and join me on my mission, I’d love to meet you.
Find out more at www.openmindsmentalhealth.co.uk
Work Experience
I train people from all sectors, in their workplace and as individuals on public courses. My experiences as a CEO of an organisation; working in the charity, public and private sector; and as a volunteer, board member, school governor have all helped me in my appreciation of the challenges people face and hopefully be an empathetic and supportive trainer.
I am also proud to be the Mental health Trainer for Wiltshire Mind which enables me to train groups of people whilst supporting this important charity to earn vital funds.
I am also a trained 'Shout' volunteer Crisis Counselor which helps me keep my skills fresh though practice.
Here is some of the feedback I've received from delegates I've trained:
I previously completed the MHFA Youth course and realised the importance of a really good trainer, so when I applied to do this course I did my research and decided on Tracy Sullivan and it was definitely worth the effort!Tracy was fantastic, delivering the session on line naturally raises challenges, but she very quickly united our group and we bonded very well which in turn meant we all felt very comfortable working in our groups and sharing information.I have really enjoyed the experience and feel the course has helped me build on the information, skills and knowledge I gained from the Youth training.I cannot impress enough upon the MFHA the importance of the trainer, I have met people who have not been blown away by this course and when I have enquired further it was clear that the delivery was not great.I am pretty sure that I can vouch for the whole group when I say that Tracy was brilliant and they were 2 great days!
I really enjoyed the course and found it incredibly informative. The practical activities, case studies and discussions were really useful in thinking how learnings could be applied in real life situations.What I found most valuable was the openness and honesty that Tracy led the course with, which enabled a relaxed environment and a safe space to learn, share and support. Having such an inspiring trainer really helped me to get the most out of the course and ensure the effectiveness wasn't impacted by the fact that it was delivered online not in person.
'I found Tracy Sullivan's excellent two day Mental Health First Aid course life-changing! The course was very interactive and interesting and Tracy created a safe, non-judgemental and thought-provoking environment throughout. I feel much more aware of mental health now and more confident to support pupils, colleagues and friends, as well as myself and family. I’m also very keen to find out more from the extremely helpful resources given on the course.'
'Tracy was personable, empathetic and kind, she created a safe environment that generated an inviting atmosphere for people to talk openly and frankly. She has filled me with confidence even though I have been a nurse for 30+ years I have learnt new skills that I know I will use.
I recommend everyone attends this course'
'I just wanted to say a massive thank you for yesterday - from one facilitator to another I thought you were absolutely brilliant. I was particularly moved by the vulnerability and courage you showed in so openly sharing your story, you're such an inspiring woman and I can't wait for next week's session
'Tracy was absolutely brilliant, so warm and welcoming and made it feel bath safe to contribute and safe to just sit quietly if we didn't want to share. Really enjoyed how interactive the course was.'
A Really good course with a close and supportive group. Tracy has done an excellent job
Qualifications
I am trained to deliver the 2 day Adult Mental Health First Aid, the full day Mental Health Champions training as well as the 1/2 Mental Health Awareness course and the Line Managers Course. I can also deliver Refresher training for anyone who has trained in the 1 or 2 day course in the last 3 years. I am really happy to deliver training online or in person.
I've now delivered 100's+ courses online and am really thrilled with how well these have gone and am excited to be busier than ever thanks to the wonders of zoom!
I am also ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and Suicide First Aid Trained
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