In 2023, we are continuing with our mission to make sure Air IT is a great place to work. To help us achieve this, we are introducing Mental Health First Aiders across the business as part of a plan that focuses on ensuring our employees feel supported and cared for whilst at work.

With 1 in 6 people experiencing mental health problems in the workplace, it’s crucial that we do everything we can to create an environment where everyone feels able to talk openly about their mental health and wellbeing with the reassurance that our employees are fully supported if they ever need help.

We’re so proud that this year, we can join in the conversation by introducing our newly trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs).

Our 12 delegates completed a 2-day course to become certified as Mental Health First Aiders by MHFA England, one of the leading providers in mental health training.

Thank you and well done to all our newly qualified Mental Health First Aiders:

  • Frazer Leigh
  • Elliott Baron
  • Steve Brett
  • Sy Doveton
  • Sarah Barraclough
  • Amy Turner
  • Stefan Mincher
  • Mila Wrzyszcz
  • Sarah Woodcock
  • Dan Conway
  • Kate Jackson

 

The role of a Mental Health First Aider in the workplace is truly invaluable, many people at some point have asked themselves whether they would know how to help someone who was struggling with mental ill health.

We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Mental ill health can strike at any time and can affect everyone which means it’s highly likely that you or someone you know will be affected by this at some point during your life.

Whereas most of us will be confident that we know how to take care of our physical health and where to turn to when something is not right, when it comes to mental health we often find ourselves not knowing where to go for help.

And this is where Mental Health First Aiders come in.

A lot of time is spent at work, and it can be a place where colleagues pick up on the signs that something isn’t quite right or you might feel comfortable having a more open conversation about how you feel. Having trained Mental Health First Aiders means that Air IT can offer our employees the support they need, giving them somewhere to turn to if they feel like they need help.

 

The MHFAider® training course

Our employees had the opportunity to train as a Mental Health First Aider with MHFA England – one of the leading providers in the UK.

By completing this training course, our MHFAiders have a recognised MHFAider® certification that is valid for 3 years alongside access to continuous 24/7 support, ongoing further learning opportunities and the benefit of joining England’s largest community of trained Mental Health First Aiders.

The course covered the skills and knowledge needed to support those at work and in their day-to-day life:

  • How to listen to, reassure and respond to someone experiencing a mental health issue, even in a crisis. Equipped with the skills and knowledge to potentially stop a crisis from happening.
  • How to empower someone to access the support they might need for recovery or successful management of systems including self-help books, websites, therapy services, support groups and more.
  • How to support positive wellbeing and tackle stigma in the world around you.

 

A huge thank you to our MHFAs

We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our Mental Health First Aiders who will help us to create a supportive and caring environment, where everyone feels able to talk openly about their mental health and wellbeing. They will provide invaluable support in our workplace.

Conversations have the power to save lives, and we’re extremely proud that we now have people across the business who have been equipped with the skills and resources to support you if you need to talk.