At RECCo, we believe mental health is as crucial as physical health. To underscore this commitment, Jenny Stephenson, our Marketing and Communications Manager, recently completed a comprehensive two-day course with MHFA England to become a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider). We sat down with Jenny to discuss her new role, the training she underwent, and why mental health first aid is essential in today’s workplace.
Q: What is a mental health first aider, and why does it matter?
Jenny: “Most people are familiar with the concept of physical first aid, which is legally required for all UK employers under the Health & Safety Act 1984. However, having a mental first aid provision in place is optional, even though mental well-being is just as critical.
RECCo is dedicated to emphasising the importance of mental well-being on par with physical well-being. I’m proud to be the second person in the organisation to receive this training, following in the footsteps of Kimberley Watkiss, our People & Culture Manager.
As an MHFAider, my primary role is to identify, understand, and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. This involves recognising the signs of poor mental health, initiating supportive conversations and guiding individuals toward appropriate support.”
Q: Can you tell us about your training experience?
Jenny: “I chose to train with MHFA England, the largest provider of mental health training in the UK and the only organisation in England with a membership body specifically for Mental Health First Aiders. The two-day course I attended in Liverpool was intense but incredibly rewarding. It equipped me with the skills I need to support my colleagues, and my qualification will be valid for three years before I need to take a refresher course.”
Q: Why do you think Mental Health First Aiders are becoming increasingly necessary?
Jenny: “Unfortunately, the number of people experiencing mental health concerns continues to rise every year in the UK. I’ve noticed this trend personally within my circle of family and friends, and the data backs it up.
The Office for National Statistics reported a significant increase in moderate or severe depressive symptoms after the COVID-19 pandemic began, rising from 10% in March 2020 to 21% by March 2021. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has only exacerbated these issues.
More alarmingly, suicide rates are climbing. In 2022, 5,284 suicides were registered in England, a stark increase compared to the previous year. When you compare this to the 1,711 people killed in road collisions across Great Britain in the same period, the scale of the mental health crisis becomes undeniable. This is why training individuals like MHFAiders in the workplace is crucial.”
Q: How effective is mental health first aid in addressing these issues?
Jenny: “Mental health first aid training offers numerous benefits. It enhances awareness of mental health issues, reduces stigma, and builds confidence in those trained to provide initial support. Research has shown that MHFAiders are better equipped to recognise the signs of mental health problems and can guide individuals toward appropriate resources, leading to better outcomes overall.”
Q: How do you apply mental health first aid in a remote or hybrid work environment?
Jenny: “Given that RECCo operates primarily on a remote working model with optional office time, mental health first aid is perhaps more vital now than ever. Remote working has many advantages, but it can also lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are significant risk factors for poor mental health.
The principles of MHFA apply in person or online; the key difference is how you promote and practice it. For me, this means being proactive in raising awareness about my role, such as adding my MHFA badge to my email signature and discussing mental health support in cross-organisational meetings. I also ensure I’m aware of local mental health resources for colleagues across the UK, ensuring they can access help wherever they are.”
Conclusion: Mental Health Matters
Jenny’s story highlights the importance of mental health support in the workplace, especially in today’s increasingly remote and hybrid working environments. By prioritising mental and physical health, RECCo is taking crucial steps to ensure the well-being of all employees.
To learn more about becoming a Mental Health First Aider, visit the MHFA England website here. Find out more about life at RECCo here.
