Mental Health First Aid Training Programme
Making the case for better mental health
Welcome to Better Pathways
An Introduction to Better Pathways by Sue Roberts, Chief Executive
Better Pathways has been supporting people with mental health issues for more than 50 years by helping them through education and training and into employment. We are proud to be the only Centre of Excellence in Birmingham, accredited by the Centre for Mental Health, for the work that we do.
When you come to Better Pathways, you help us to deliver your goals and ours. Yours, to ensure that your people’s mental health is maintained as far as you can. Ours, to help our people make the most of their opportunities.
In addition to our employment specialist work, we run thriving social enterprises that offer volunteering opportunities for our longer-term service users and work experience for those we are supporting into work.
Sue Roberts Chief Executive
You know, therefore, that when you book your Mental Health First Aid training with us, you are being trained by people who really do understand how first aid awareness and support impacts people’s lives, as well as organisations and local communities.
This is what makes us unique.
Thank you.
suer@betterpathways.org.uk
Our Values and Service
Kay Kay Higgins and Emma Heys are fully qualified and trained by MHFA England, bringing 20 years’ combined experience in training people to support those experiencing mental health related crises. The stigma that surrounds mental health often prevents people from seeking the help they need. The earlier we can identify the warning signs the sooner we can effectively support that individual in their recovery. Our aim is to train people to spot the warning signs of poor mental health, and to offer support, so that those experiencing a mental health related crisis know they are in safe hands, and that they will be listened to and supported.
Emma Kay and Emma are also qualified to deliver Individual Placement and Support training to Employment Specialists who help people with mental health issues to find employment. They bring a unique perspective to our MHFA Training which allows them to help you consolidate your learning and contextualise it in your own lives and organisations. We also offer bespoke mental health awareness sessions for groups which can be tailored to your needs. This can be especially valuable when implementing mental health strategies and when you know you want to design a holistic approach to your wellbeing agenda. For information about our courses go to www.betterpathways.org.uk. To discuss your training requirements please call: Kay on 07458 015942 Emma on 07458 015940 Switchboard on 0121 773 1455 kayh@betterpathways.org.uk emmah@betterpathways.org.uk mhfa@betterpathways.org.uk
Youth Mental Health First Aid Our Youth MHFA training courses are delivered to people who teach, work, live with, or care for, young people aged 8 to 18. Courses can be attended by anyone aged 16 and over. Attendees will gain an understanding of stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health and mental illness, which affects 75% of those experiencing mental ill health before the age of 18. They will learn practical skills such as spotting warning signs, starting a mental health related conversation and signposting towards appropriate support, thereby helping them to help young people to deal with issues when they arise, and hopefully to become happier and more confident as they transition into adulthood.
Youth MHFA Champion Training (£109pp + VAT) This course covers some key topics and has an overview of some of the mental health related issues that young people experience. It will give an individual the awareness to spot common warning signs and triggers of mental health issues as well as the knowledge and confidence to start the conversation, support and signpost a young person in crisis. On completion of the course attendees will become youth MHFA champions.
2 Day - Youth Mental Health First Aid (£175pp + VAT) What you will learn: • • • • • • • • • • •
Understanding mental health Cyberbullying and substance misuse Risk factors and protective factors Depression Anxiety Suicide Psychosis Self-harm Eating disorders Crisis action plans Recovery
Adult Mental Health First Aid
2 Day - Adult Mental Health First Aid (£175pp + VAT)
Attendees will gain an understanding of stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health and mental illness and will learn practical skills such as spotting warning signs, starting a mental health related conversation and signposting towards appropriate supports. Mental health aware workplaces are more likely to see reduced absenteeism, sickness, safety issues (and reduced associated costs to the business) and they are more likely to encourage an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
What you will learn: • Understanding mental health • Workplace mental health • Depression • Suicidal crisis • Anxiety • Personality disorders • Eating disorders • Self-harm • Psychosis • Crisis action plans • Recovery
Adult Mental Health First Aid Half Day Mental Health Aware Training (£95 + VAT) We also offer half day mental health aware course which come with a manual and a workbook and equips attendees with the skills to start a mental health related conversation.
Course Certification Everyone who attends our 2 day courses will receive a certificate and lanyard to confirm that they are a trained Mental Health First Aider. All MHFA courses come with a manual and workbooks.
Mental Health Matters | Statistics
96%
80%
of teachers believe they come into contact with pupils who are experiencing mental health issues
of young people say exam pressure has a big impact on their mental health
16%
ÂŁ34.9bn
people of working age have symptoms associated with mental ill health
cost to UK employers every single year
1 in 6
1 in 3 33%
of individuals will experience mental ill health in their lives, most more than once
686 million
people are affected by mental health issues worldwide
What We're Doing to Tackle Mental Ill Health
400+ people trained in schools, colleges, universities, public and private sector organisations
25+
100%
partnering positive instructor organisations feedback from course including HSBC, evaluations Lloyds, Birmingham Council, Network Rail, Warwick University, Birmingham University, Holiday Inn, Dupont, Public, State and Academy Schools and more!
Don't take it from us, check out our testimonials
"Despite going through lots of heavy material over the two days, Kay & Emma did a remarkable job of keeping the sessions engaging, interesting and enjoyable. Great job!"
•"I just wanted to share a quick note and let you know how excellent Kay and Emma of Better Pathways were in delivering MHFA training for us at TSYS Managed Services EMEA. I’m glad I decided to work with them. The quality and professionalism they showed in front of a some challenging questions and opinions around mental ill health was great. Being able to ask many questions before we’d even contracted with you and the continuation of asking questions with the support you offer is testament enough to recommend Better Pathways. Kay and Emma deliver training with first-hand experience and bring the material to life. As a company we’re at the starting point of implementing our mental health first aid initiative." •- David, Associate Director, Learning & Development
"Really practical approach to difficult subject matter. Everything was delivered in a professional, knowledgeable and sensitive manner (with some laughs thrown in!)"
"Amazing course – really in depth (intense) but really interesting. Instructors were great, supportive and approachable – loved how sensitive they were for all topics and making sure everyone was alright."
"Kay and Emma are brilliant at keeping people engaged and continuously participating, they bounce well off each other and made it enjoyable, wish the course was longer so that we could go into more details as I found it extremely enjoyable and interesting."
"Since the course I have used the new learning to support a number of colleagues within the Business ranging from anxiety to low mood to dealing with guardians looking after siblings with various disorders. The course gave me an essential structure to work from and the feedback from those that I am supporting has been really positive. I am currently arranging for a few more volunteers to attend the course so that we can build a greater support network across my business areas."
- John, Lloyds Banking Group
Better Pathways 201-206 Alcester St Digbeth Birmingham B12 0NQ mhfa@betterpathways.org.uk
better_pathways
www.betterpathways.org.uk
Better Pathways
0121 773 1455
@BetterPathways