North East-based consultancy Venture Zero is now offering a new qualification to help organisations take a more proactive approach to mental health in the workplace.
The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid gives current Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders®) the opportunity to further embed their learning and enhance the support they can provide. It has been developed through a partnership between Mental Health First Aid England and the RSPH.
It enhances their confidence in being able to offer support and demonstrates commitment to their ongoing role as a Mental Health First Aider
Clare Blunt, Mental Health Lead at Venture Zero, said: “This is the only MHFA qualification which is endorsed by the RSPH - the UK’s leading Ofqual regulated qualifications awarding organisation in public health. Any business or individual investing in this is investing in a robust and evidence-based qualification which formalises the knowledge that Mental Health First Aiders already have, as a result of their initial training. It enhances their confidence in being able to offer support and demonstrates commitment to their ongoing role as a Mental Health First Aider.”
Eligible learners will need to pass an online assessment to gain the award, which is regulated by Ofqual. MHFAiders® play a key role in supporting employee wellbeing within an organisation. They are trained to spot the triggers and signs of a range of mental health issues, as well as guide individuals to further support where necessary.
A recent study found that 87% of HR leaders have seen an increased numbers of employees disclosing mental health issues. However, there is still evidence to suggest that people worry about telling their employer about any mental health condition for fear of getting a negative response. Creating a safe environment for staff to open up about their mental wellbeing is key to providing early support and reducing recovery times.
Ms Blunt added: “If businesses really want to create a safe environment, they need to actively demonstrate their commitment to this. Taking steps to ensure that people know they will be heard is imperative in this process. We cannot simply encourage people to open up without ensuring we have confident listeners.
"Mental Health First Aid explores issues such as stigma, language, personal experience, and culture, and encourages people to reflect on how these factors may impact their ability to be effective listeners. To have MHFAiders® in the workplace is a step in the right direction towards not only encouraging employees to open up, but to also develop the listening skills of the workforce”
As well as offering the new qualification, Venture Zero also delivers other courses accredited by Mental Health First Aid England. More than 2000 people have attended this training since 2016. Clare has worked with staff from organisations including EA Sports, AXA Health, and the NHS.
