Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service employees have become qualified mental health first aiders (MHFA).
The staff members completed a two-day training course, which involved learning about symptoms and signs of mental health concerns in the workplace and how to help colleagues, as well as guide them to relevant support.
Covering a range of topics, employees explored MHFAs’ roles and responsibilities, recognising issues such as stress, eating disorders self-harm.
Newly qualified mental health first aider Adam Brunt, community engagement officer at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The mental health first aid training was really worthwhile and an informative experience. It has helped to increase my knowledge of how to triage and signpost colleagues who require emotional support and I look forward to putting my learning into practice in the future to help people when they need it most.”
Course leader Antony Dowell, campaigns and partnerships officer at Imagine Independence, added: “The Mental Health First Aid training that Imagine Independence has provided to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service over the last month has given me an enormous amount of respect for the people who will go on to support colleagues with their mental wellbeing, sometimes in very challenging situations.
“With the skills they have learned, they will be in a position to help colleagues find the right support at the right time, while challenging the stigma that poor mental health brings. It has been a pleasure to work with staff and firefighters who are so dedicated to supporting each other.”
