It’s Mental Health Awareness Week so we thought we’d have a chat with Michelle, DHU’s Senior Clinical and Development Training Team Co-Ordinator and one of our Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA). Here’s what she told us about her role, the importance of getting support and why DHU has MHFAs…
“I think MHFAs are imperative and essential to an organisation as a way of ensuring we check in on each other. My approach to the role is that if I see signs that a person may need help, I’ll check in on them to ask if they’re okay. If they say ‘yes’, I’ll check in again as we often find that a second check in gives a different answer and they may open up.
“As a first aider, I can signpost to our wellbeing lead, to our DHU Hub, GP, counselling, Samaritans and more. We also hold regular MHFA days where we are available for private chats if needed, advice, support and signposting, a visible presence in comfortable surroundings where we can talk without judgment to provide that listening ear.
“There are almost 100 of us across DHU. As an organisation we have a responsibility to our people to give them the option of opening up and talking to someone. We are there across all sites and disciplines, sometimes people find it easier to speak to someone who doesn’t work in their field to get a different perspective. Others prefer to speak to those who understands issues specific to their role so to have that choice is vital.
“We hear a lot about a UK mental health epidemic and all of our MHFAs have undertaken teaching sessions to develop our skills at spotting the signs of poor mental health before it reaches crisis point and how to start those conversations. We also have more than ten Networks supporting protected characteristics that can help us to understand cultural, physical and alternative perspectives.
“We know the importance of talking about our mental health. It can prevent crisis, depression, absence from work and help to understand a way through whatever is causing an anxiety. I’m proud of my role and how we can help, support and encourage our people.”