Mental Health First Aid

Have you ever heard of Mental Health First Aid?  

Paul Wolstenholme from Pathlight Ltd, a new local company providing Mental Health First Aid training to companies and individuals, tells us what it’s all about…

Tell us a little about yourself, Paul

First a foremost, I’m a Dad to two wonderful children, who I love spending time with.  Other than that, I work passionately in the field of mental health, wellbeing and personal development – I’m a psychotherapist in training and have a small company based in Saddleworth, Pathlight Ltd, through which I deliver Mental Health First Aid training courses.  I also love music – attending gigs, festivals and occasionally having a sing and a strum at local open mic nights…and I like to keep physically and mentally healthy through running, playing squash, meditating and being daft. 

What is Mental Health First Aid and who is it aimed at? 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally-recognised training course that teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis.  It’s the mental health equivalent of physical first aid and it’s aimed at people who work in companies. 

The 2-day Adult Mental Health First Aider training teaches people how to identify, understand and help others who may be experiencing mental health issues.  The course can be attended by anyone aged 16 and over, whether you wish to become an appointed Mental Health First Aider at your place of work or wish to support your family and friends who may be experiencing mental health issues.  Courses can be open to all types of employees or can be tailored to specific groups such as people managers, leadership teams or HR departments.

Why do companies choose to investing in training Mental Health First Aiders?  

Mental health issues cost UK companies vast sums of money every year.  In the UK:

• 1 in 4 people will report experiencing a mental health issue in any given year.
• Stress, anxiety and depression are the biggest causes of sickness absence from work.
• 91 million working days are lost each year due to mental health issues.
• This equates to £34.9m p.a. due to absence, reduced productivity and staff turnover.
• These costs could be cut be 30% by improving the management of mental health in the workplace.
• Having sufficient Mental Health First Aiders is a key step to achieving these savings.

Beyond that, embracing MHFA is considered best practice by the Health & Safety Executive and it is looking like it will become a mandatory requirement for UK companies in the near future.

What do delegates learn on the 2-day course?

The course is split into four manageable sessions, each teaching practical skills that can be used every day.  We cover many topics, including depression, anxiety, stress, suicide, addiction, listening skills, crisis first aid after a traumatic event, personality disorders, addictions, psychosis, action planning using MHFA and more.  Parts of the course can be pretty emotional but it’s a really empowering and enlightening training.

Why do you do this work?

I’m really passionate about mental health, personal development and wellbeing – I feel like this is my calling.  Sadly. mental health doesn’t currently get anything like as much focus and funding as physical health, but I believe they are equally important.  I find MHFA to be a really powerful and inspiring course.  We all have mental health and most of us will have to deal with mental health issues at some point in our lives – whether that be our own challenges or those of a friend, family member or colleague.  I’m determined to do what I can to raise awareness of mental health issues, reduce the stigma around it and get people talking openly about how they feel so that they can receive appropriate support.

Why did you choose Saddleworth to as a place to live in and work from?

I’m from Greenfield originally but moved away aged 7 and returned ‘home to roost’ about 16 years ago.  I love the beauty of the area – connecting with nature around the peaceful, hilly moorland dotted with picturesque reservoirs and the historic, stone villages nestling in the valleys.  There is a strong community spirit with many wonderful opportunities for community connection through the friendly local businesses, cultural and traditional events, the vibrant music scene and more.  Connection is a basic human need – we’re hard wired to exist in social relationships – and all that Saddleworth has to offer can help support positive mental health and wellbeing.

How can people get in touch with you if they want to find out more about Mental Health First Aid? 

There’s lots of information on the Pathlight website, or you can call me, email me or visit the Facebook page.  There are still a small number of slots available for corporate and individual Mental Health First Aid training courses in July and August, with wider course availability from September onwards.  I’d be happy to offer a discount on the standard rates to any local companies or individuals who book onto this wonderful course before the end of July and mention ’Saddleworth Life’.

Paul has just announced his first course:

Adult Mental Health First Aid Two Day training

Dates: 2-3 September, 2019. 9am – 5pm

Details: The Adult MHFA Two Day training teaches people how to identify, understand and help others who may be experiencing a mental health issues.  Anyone aged 16 and over can attend, whether you wish to become an appointed Mental Health First Aider at your place of work or wish to support your family and friends who may be experiencing mental health issues.  This course will be delivered in conjunction with Tameside, Oldham & Glossop Mind and half of all proceeds will go to support the charity.

Location: Tameside Oldham & Glossop Mind, Medtia Place, 80 Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1DJ (Positive Steps Building)

Cost: £250pp, including including official MHFA manual, workbook, certificate, MHFA branded tote bag, pen, lanyard and badge, plus tea, coffee and snacks on both days.

Booking now to ensure a place and Pathlight

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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