Which training is the best fit?
If you’re reading this article, you're likely already considering investing in mental health training as part of your workplace well-being strategy. Which is fantastic news.
In doing so you’re likely to see:
Increased engagement from employees
Lower rates and risk of work-related mental ill-health
Increased productivity
Reduced presenteeism and absenteeism
A positive culture around mental health across your organisation
Why is this important?
A recent ‘Burnout Report’ conducted by Mental Health UK found that 1 in 4 people feel unable to manage stress and pressure in the workplace, and 1 in 5 needed time off work due to stress and pressure over the last 12 months.
For organisations, the impact of this is reduced productivity, poor staff well-being and increased staff turnover. In simple terms, investing in workplace well-being and mental health training supports employees, boosts productivity and directly benefits your bottom line.
What training is available?
At Minds That Work we deliver two courses:
Mental Health First Aid
I-act
Mental Health First Aid is the most widely known course, and the one you are likely to have heard of before. As the name suggests, this enables employees to provide mental health support to employees who may be experiencing distress or a mental health crisis - in the same way a trained physical First Aider would give support before the professionals arrived, if necessary.
I-ACT, whilst less well known, offers different skills. Whereas Mental Health First Aid training is geared towards assisting employees who may be experiencing distress or a mental health crisis, I-ACT’s remit is much broader. It focuses on improving mental well-being and resilience, wider organisational culture, and intervention guidance, in addition to ‘first response’ training.
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Created in 2001 by Betty Kitchener, a nurse specialising in health education, and Anthony Jorm, a mental health literacy professor. Mental Health First Aid is adopted and recognised in 24 countries.
Who is it for?
Wellbeing champions and for general awareness.
What does it cover?
Responsive mental health training
Equips individuals to support employees who may be experiencing distress or mental ill-health
How to recognise the early signs of mental ill-health
The skills needed to have a judgement free, supportive conversation with employees who may be struggling
How to sign post to additional support if appropriate
Promoting mental health in the workplace.
How long does it take?
4 x 3.5hrs (delivered online) or 2 days (delivered in person)
Additional resources:
Provides access to three years of MHFAider support and benefits and evidence-based resources which includes 24/7 digital support through the MHFAider Support App®.
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Globally accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists
Developed by leading professionals in the field including clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals.
Who is it for?
There are tailored courses for both employees and managers and leaders.
What does it cover?
Proactive and preventative mental health training
Improving workplace wellbeing culture, including best practice from HSE stress risk assessments and management standards.
Improving mental health and resilience for self and employees
Equipping individuals to support employees who may be in distress or experiencing a mental health crisis
Be clearer about personal boundaries, workplace confidentiality, and how to set up a safe wellbeing conversation.
Know how to signpost and support seeking professional help.
Understanding the importance of self care.
How long does it take?
6 hours (delivered online or face to face)
Additional resources:
168-page evidence-based course manual, toolkit and resource pack for each manager.
This includes 50 tools to support managers, over 95 organisations for referral, and over 225 pieces of reputable evidence, researched by leading mental health experts.
An "IACTED" evaluation tool to assess your interventions.
Includes coaching tools, tools for connecting, wellbeing assessment tools, a guide to save conversations, personal wellbeing plan templates (as recommended by HSE) and a level of concern tool.
Both courses play a vital role in enhancing workplace well-being strategies. Mental Health First Aid is a fantastic course for wellbeing champions and front-line - in the same way you have first aiders for physical ailments, this course equips employees with mental health tools. However, from our experience I-ACT provides much more comprehensive training, equipping employees with a broader range of skills and resources to respond to a mental health crisis.
Our recommendation for managers and leaders is to invest in I-ACT. With a wider remit and alignment to HSE and management standards, not only does it empower managers and leaders to cultivate a positive culture surrounding mental health, it also provides the necessary ‘first response’ skills so individuals can support those struggling with their mental health.
“It can be difficult to know what to do, how to help someone. I-ACT is very intuitive, the course gives some real practical guidance and tools to be effective in supporting yourself and others.”
“I found the mixture of content - polls, facts, figures, and videos - very engaging and I felt the content was really insightful and helpful, especially with the change we are facing today. I think it will be incredibly valuable.”