Whilst increasing numbers of businesses are now recognising the importance of mental well-being it remains an area that can be difficult to manage sensitively and effectively, however the BMF is able to offer assistance in how you can help your staff.
Stress, anxiety and depression are the biggest cause of sickness absence the UK, and their effects have been compounded by enforced lifestyle changes during the pandemic. Indeed, monitoring by Public Health England over the last three years found that self-reported metal health and well-being at a population level worsened during the pandemic and remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.
The effect is not just at an individual level. Mental ill-health is responsible for 71 million working days lost every year, costing UK employers £118 billion each year.
A report published in March by Mental Health Foundation and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) found the cost of mental health problems is equivalent to around 5% of the UK’s GDP. However, research suggests that supporting colleagues by improving UK workplace mental health management could also reduce employers’ losses attributed to mental illness by 30%, collectively saving £8 billion a year.
How BMF can support you
Mental Health First Aiders are essential to maintaining employee well-being. The BMF has partnered with specialist trainers MHFA England to support members to manage health and well-being proactively within the workplace and minimise the impact of mental ill-health on their business and their people.
Our first two-day Mental Health First Aider programme, led by Sharon Elphick, a licensed mental health first aider instructor, takes place on 8-9 November at BMF’s Head Office in Coventry with more planned in the coming months.
MHFA England’s training is grounded in proved techniques and developed with clinical practitioners to ensure the best course content possible. Everything taught is reflective of people’s real lived experiences of poor mental health.
Mental Health First Aiders are essential to maintaining employee well-being. The BMF has partnered with specialist trainers MHFA England to support members to manage health and well-being proactively within the workplace and minimise the impact of mental ill-health on their business and their people.
Sharon explained: “For a business to thrive it is important for a team to work at their best, creating an inclusive environment to support the well-being of your people is crucial. In fact, your company’s success often depends on it.”
MFHA England courses do not teach people to be therapists, but they do teach people how to respond in a crisis, and how to reach out before a crisis happens. The BMF programme is designed to increase mental health first aiders’ confidence, giving them the tools to support themselves and each other, so everyone can talk about mental health and seek help when needed. It will teach people to spot the signs of mental health issues and guide a person towards support.
Kerry Wilson, BMF Learning & Development Manager, has first-hand experience of this training. She said: “Having been plunged into lockdown, I realised that it’s not enough to simply tell people that mental health is important. I decided to train as mental health first aider, giving colleagues someone visible they can go to when they don’t have physical first aid needs.
“Having completed the course, it has certainly been a revelation for me and has given me different approaches to helping others and myself. Whilst I cannot give advice, I can Listen, I can Encourage and I can Direct someone towards the appropriate help.”
Learning on the two-day course takes place through a mix of presentations, group discussions and workshop activities, with each session built around a Mental Health First Aid action plan.
Click here to find out more and to book your place.
