Trafford Leisure launches mental health first aid training
Trafford Leisure has launched mental health first aid training courses to provide practical and emotional support to businesses and the wider community in Greater Manchester.
Trafford Leisure staff on the new mental health first aid training course © Trafford Leisure
The First Aid Industry Body (FAIB) accredited courses, delivered at Stretford Leisure Centre, provide classroom-based training that spans one or two days for up to 12 people, offering comprehensive instruction covering:
Recognising possible signs and symptoms of a person that has mental ill-health
Understanding mental health and its stigma, including anxiety, depression, grief, appropriate use of language, alcohol/drug misuse, eating disorders, post-natal depression
Using a mental health action plan to help those in crisis or who need to find external professional help and guidance
The law in relation to mental health and the workplace
Best practice in the workplace e.g. when helping someone to stay in work or return to work
The course is designed for companies and individuals looking to enhance their understanding of mental health and cultivate their expertise in promoting positive wellbeing for themselves and others in a professional setting.
Trafford Leisure’s mental health first aid courses are suitable for local businesses, educational institutions, workplace communities and community groups, as well as individuals.
The teaching methods have been designed to be as instructive as possible and offer participants a safe space to share their own experiences whilst learning from others. It includes scenario-based role-play and is peer-to-peer lead.
Fiona Buckley, learning and development manager at Trafford Leisure, who delivers the training says: “Trafford Leisure already provides first aid training in the workplace, as well as our very popular Baby Saver course. However, it is just as important to value and offer suitable training around mental health.
“Every individual possesses mental health, just as they possess physical health, and mental ill health has the potential to impact anyone, irrespective of age or background.
“While progress has been made, stigma surrounding mental ill health continues to persist. As a society, we often lack the knowledge and understanding required to prioritise our mental health in the same way we prioritise our physical well-being. Consequently, individuals may find it challenging to provide support to friends, family members or colleagues grappling with mental health problems, and may also struggle to find appropriate resources to address their own mental health needs.”
Jo Cherrett, CEO of Trafford Leisure, says “We value the importance of good mental health in Trafford, and welcome local companies to invest in their workforce.”
Trafford Leisure has already provided almost a third of its own staff with mental health first aid training. Cherrett explains: “Our staff, who predominantly live in the borough, are crucial to our ability to provide wellbeing opportunities for the community. It was therefore important that Trafford Leisure, as a large employer in the area, provided our team with opportunities for better mental wellbeing.
“It’s all about being kinder to one another and having the skills to listen, be compassionate and to sign-post where necessary. The skills gained on this course will empower your staff to help and support those struggling with their mental health both at work and in the wider community.”
