The Importance of Being a Mental Health First Aider

As we start 2025, now more than ever, we need to focus on looking after our mental health. Life is fast paced, demanding and stressful and it is key that we make a resolution to look after ourselves as a whole.

We all have times where we feel down, stressed, tired - it is a part of life. Luckily for a lot of us, things pick up and we resume good mental health. However, there will be times where our feelings develop into mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, and it can start to impact our daily lives.

We spend a lot of time at work or involved with work. It is therefore important to know that, as well as your usual First Aiders, many employers have designated Mental Health First Aiders/ Responders. It may seem daunting to talk about your mental health but they are there for you to approach if you want a listening ear, to offload or want some direction as to where to seek help.

Mental Health First Aiders act with integrity and confidentiality. They have an understanding of mental health issues and the skills to support their own and others’ wellbeing in the workplace. They aim to promote positive mental health in the workplace. They won’t be able to treat you/solve all your problems but can help guide you to sources of treatment and support.

Having qualified in 2024 as a Mental Health Workplace Responder myself, through St John’s Ambulance, I can thoroughly recommend completing the course. My skills have already assisted someone in serious need and I feel that my training helped me know what to do and how to deal with the situation. It is beneficial to employers to have a Mental Health Workplace Responders to help improve employee wellbeing and productivity, reduce employee absenteeism and staff turnover, create a positive workplace culture and of course ensure compliance with legal requirements.

If you need immediate support with your Mental Health please call the Samaritans on 116 123 or NHS 111. 

Marie Harder

Associate Solicitor, Coles Miller Solicitors

BDLS is running their next Mental Health First Aid Certification Course as a series of online sessions on 6, 8. 13, 15 May 2025 from 09:30 – 13:30. At the time of writing this article, there are a few places left so hurry to book your places! Further details can be found here: https://www.bournemouthlaw.com/res/06%20 08%2013%2015%20May%202025%20MHFA%20 flyer.pdf