EMPLOYEES at a Redditch business have qualified as Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA).
Delivered by St John Ambulance, the two-day course saw all trainees at Oakland International learn how to recognise the signs and symptoms of common workplace mental health issues and how to effectively guide a person towards the right mental health support.
The course covered factors that can affect wellbeing, how to spot the triggers and signs of mental illness, first aid, and the skills to create a positive mental health culture in the workplace, with the successful trainees awarded a level 3 Mental Health Workplace First Aider qualification, equivalent to an A Level.
Oakland International head of talent development, Kate Hewitt, said: “We are delighted to confirm that our first group of MHFA trainees are now all fully qualified workplace mental health first aiders.
“Whilst we’d rather our employees didn’t experience mental health issues, we’re delighted to know our team are now trained and equipped to provide support when needed.”
Group HR Director Nicola Harris added: “I would like to thank all our trainees for accepting our invitation to become a Mental Health First Aider as their willingness to participate and share their personal experiences, was humbling, and it’s now good to know we’re closer to our aim of having one MHFA on each shift, at each of our depots.”
