Words by Smiley Team
At a time when mental health awareness and knowledge is more important than ever, Mental Health First Aid England are adapting their approach to ensure people are supported through the pandemic.
Evidence from the Mental Health Foundation and LinkedIn research shows an increase in poor mental health as a result of working from home, and the Office for National Statistics reported an enormous increase in reported anxiety since the coronavirus pandemic began.
MHFA England is a social enterprise with a vision to improve the mental health of the nation through training 1:10 of the adult population in mental health skills and awareness. Most of this training takes place face to face, which now can’t happen in the pandemic with social distancing measures in place and has resulted in the organisation having to shift their approach. Individuals or organisations can sign up for online training courses which vary in their depth and information, from being ‘Mental Health Aware’ to being a trained Mental Health First Aider. There is also a course specifically designed for managers supporting their workers at this time.
Simon Blake, the Chief Executive of MHFA tells us that ‘the core focus of our work these last few weeks has been ensuring as many of our courses can be delivered online and in a virtual classroom. My team has been nothing short of outstanding – determined, creative and absolutely focused.’
Simon tells us that MHFA England have seen an increase in demand for their services as organisations realise the importance of mental wellbeing now more than ever. They have contributed to a larger than normal number of blogs, webinars, podcasts and that the pandemic has provided ‘an important opportunity to share knowledge about wellbeing, mental health and self-care whilst working at home/through the pandemic.’
Mental Health First Aiders, trained by the social enterprise, are helping to support people experiencing mental health difficulties right now.
Simon explains how the importance of Mental Health First Aiders will continue after the pandemic: ‘We know that worry and uncertainty about health, jobs and finances, increases in domestic abuse, experiencing violence at home, bereavement, the pressures of continuing frontline work and many other things will continue to have a profound effect on the mental health of the nation way beyond the time we find a vaccine.’
MHFA England has also put together a variety of resources to support those they work with and have some recommendations as to what might help. Simon encourages people to look after themselves, to look after their mental wellbeing and practice self care and notes that MHFA England have some helpful resources for those working from home. He also notes that it is imperative that people look out for their friends, family and communities and to check in with them regularly.
Mental Health First Aiders can consider how they might use their skills to help their communities and advice and guidance on how to do this can be found here. For those who are not yet trained but who are interested in learning more about it, you can find more here. You can also keep up to date with the latest news by following MHFA England on Twitter and Instagram.
By Ellen Jones
