Introducing our Mental Health First Aiders
Poppy and Stas are a first point of contact for colleagues who are experiencing mental health issues. And last week Fluid launched the Mental Health and Wellbeing channel where they provide up to date information on support.
Poppy was a mental health first aider in a previous work place, and has just completed her refresher training. Stas will complete his training later this month.
Poppy said: “You’d be surprised how many people don’t feel they have someone to talk to about their mental health, because they don’t want to expose themselves at home or to their friends.
I’m here to listen.
It’s not about saying, ‘I know what you mean’. Because you don’t know. Even if you’ve had anxiety and depression that doesn’t mean you know what they’re experiencing.
Mental health first aid is about listening, noticing key behaviours and signposting to relevant support and guidance. It’s an active role as well because the support that’s out there is always changing, so you need to keep up to date.”
What does a mental health first aider do?
Mental health first aiders listen and signpost to support and act as advocates for mental health in the workplace. They help to normalise mental health issues, encourage conversation and enact positive change.
It’s important to note that mental health first aiders aren’t professional therapists or counsellors any more than physical health first aiders are doctors. They’re not a replacement for the proper treatment of mental illnesses. Instead they help to identify the symptoms and causes of mental health problems and signpost to information, advice and support.
What to do if you are experiencing mental health problems
Please know that you aren’t alone and help is available. In the UK Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 116 123.
Mind offers support, guidance, tips for everyday living and for helping someone else.
In Leeds and the surrounding areas of Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield and Barnsley a new 24-hour mental health helpline is available for residents. For advice and support about your own mental health or for someone else, call 0800 183 0538.
Find out more about mental health services in West Yorkshire.
Mental health is key to our Collective Success
Fluid was founded in the belief that work can be a place where people can proudly bring their whole self, where they are empowered to succeed and be happy and where we empower our clients to succeed and be happy.
We call this Collective Success. It's not just something we say, it's what we do every day.