Acacia Training asks employers to consider mental health first aid this Mental Health Awareness Week 2019

This Mental Health Awareness Week 2019 (May 13 – 19) Acacia Training is encouraging employers to consider mental health first aid.

We have trained over 500 Mental Health First Aiders with our two-day course delivered by Mental Health First Aid England trainers – and we’ve just started offering Youth Mental Health First Aid courses.

Our Mental Health First Aid Trainer Gary Peake, a former RAF regiment gunner, recently won a mental health ‘star’ award at the Thrive Mental Health Commission Awards for his work. He has taught our courses to major companies like Vodafone and Dufry and always receives fantastic feedback.

During 2019 Acacia Training will also be donating 10% of the income from our Mental Health First Aid courses to North Staffs Mind (http://nsmind.org.uk/). This is our way of ensuring we are using the course in a constructive way for our local communities, as well as meaning that the attendees are also contributing to something which is important to them.

Do you need mental health first aid training?

To become a Mental Health First Aider you must complete a two-day MHFA course. This is our most comprehensive awareness and skills course, which includes a mix of presentations, discussions and group work activities.

By taking a step towards understanding mental health in the workplace this Mental Health Awareness Week 2019 you’ll help to improve staff wellbeing, increase colleague engagement and increase staff performance.

The adult mental health course will:

• Give a deeper understanding of the issues that impact on and relate to people’s mental health
• Teach practical skills that can be used every day, including being able to spot symptoms and how to offer support

Mental Health First Aiders can:

• Spot the early signs and symptoms
• Start a supportive conversation
• listen to the person nonjudgmentally
• Assess the risk of self-harm
• Maintain confidentiality as appropriate

Youth Mental Health First Aiders have:

• An in depth understanding of young people’s mental health and factors that affect wellbeing
• Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
• Confidence to reassure and support a young person in distress
• Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening
• Knowledge to help a young person recover their health by guiding them to further support – whether that’s through self-help sites, their place of learning, the NHS, or a mix – engaging with parents, carers and external agencies where appropriate
• The ability to support a young person with a long-term mental health issue or disability to thrive
• Tools to look after your own mental wellbeing

Our courses are based at Unit C1 Acacia House in Trentham Business Quarter, ST4 8GB, and run monthly with limited spaces. It is recommended to book ASAP to avoid disappointment! Call 01782 646346 or head to our Facebook page and click ‘events’ to book through Eventbrite. For more information click here.