Background
Mental Health First Aid is exactly what it suggests, a first aid approach to mental health. Originally conceived by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm in Australia, the introduction of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) has become an international activity: Hong Kong, Finland, Singapore, Canada and Scotland have all introduced mental health first aid. Mental Health First Aid has now been introduced in England, Wales and Ireland, so UK coverage will soon be achieved.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
MHFA is the help given to someone experiencing a mental health problem before professional help is obtained. The aims are:
- to preserve life where a person may be a danger to themselves or others
- to provide help to prevent the mental health problems developing into a more serious state
- to promote the recovery of good mental health
- to provide comfort to a person experiencing a mental health problem
MHFA does not teach people to be therapists. However, it does teach people how to recognise the symptoms of mental health problems, how to provide initial help and how to guide a person towards appropriate professional help.
The twelve hour training course (normally delivered over a two day period) is certificated and trainees are awarded the status of ‘Mental Health First Aider’ upon completion. The course teaches an action plan of five basic steps:
- Assess risk of suicide or self-harm
- Listen non-judgementally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help
- Encourage self-help strategies
MHFA in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber
Mental Health First Aid has now been rolled out across Yorkshire & the Humber and the North East and new instructors continue to be trained in the two areas to help disseminate the training programme as widely as possible. In Yorkshire & the Humber Community Links has been awarded funding by the Big Lottery for a three year programme (led by CSIP) which will train 4,500 Mental Health First Aiders throughout the region by March 2011. For more information on this programme or to access this training please visit:
www.mentalhealthfirstaidyorksandhumber.org
MHFA Programme Lead for England: Dave Belshaw
