One in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives — so Mental Health First Aid training could be extremely useful for helping others, or maybe even to help yourself.

Mental Health First Aid is a nationally accredited two-day training course designed to give participants the knowledge and skills to recognise the early signs of mental ill-health and support someone to seek the right help. The course helps participants to: l Spot the early signs of a mental health problem l Feel confident helping someone experiencing a problem l Provide help on a first aid basis l Help prevent someone from hurting themselves or others l Help stop a mental illness from getting worse l Help someone recover faster l Guide someone towards the right support Mental Health First Aid can benefit everyone personally and professionally, from carers and family members, to employers, to those who might provide support to someone experiencing mental ill-health. On completion of the course participants receive a certificate. Georgie went on the course to help in her volunteering and her professional work as a student midwife.

“The course was great for enabling me to examine where my own perceptions of mental health came from. It gave clear cut facts and practical advice. It will definitely benefit my future practice, both in protecting and promoting the mental health of women in my care and increasing my confidence. I would definitely recommend this course to others.”

Accredited trainer Bruce, from Oxfordshire Mind’s partner Restore, said: “Having delivered MHFA training for two years I am constantly struck by the impact the course has on participants. The practical nature of the course allows delegates to leave with a readily applicable set of skills and tools. Participants very often report that they become more aware of the need to look after their own mental health.”

Oxfordshire Mind has funding from NHS Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Cluster and Oxfordshire County Council to offer the course free to residents and organisations.

During the year, we will be running courses open to the public. We are also able to run courses for organisations or community groups.

For more information or to organise a course for your staff, volunteers or service users, contact Laura Epton at Oxfordshire Mind on 01865 263730 or laura.epton@oxfordshire-mind.org.uk