A Q&A with NRL’s Mental Health First Aiders

In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, we are taking a closer look at the importance of mental health awareness and the role of Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace. Mental Health First Aiders are individuals trained to provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing mental health challenges or struggling with their mental wellbeing. We sat down with our own Mental Health First Aiders across our Group to discuss their experiences and insights on navigating mental health difficulties, particularly in relation to suicide prevention.

Alide Valberga, Payroll Assistant

What inspired you to become a Mental Health First Aider?

Becoming a Mental Health First Aider lets you support others in crisis, reduce stigma, and create a more supportive environment. It’s a way to make a real difference and grow personally while learning more about mental health.

Charlotte Davidson, Languages Consultant

What resources or training have helped you in your role as a Mental Health First Aider?

NRL kindly supported me in becoming a Mental Health First Aider by funding a 2-day intensive course with MHFA England. The course was extremely informative, as well as interesting, and taught me the knowledge and skills for providing first aid to people in the workplace who might be suffering from poor mental health. I am glad to have participated in the course and I’m sure it will continue to be useful in other aspects of life.

Daniel Scott, Recruitment Consultant

How do you continue to educate yourself and stay updated on best practices for mental health support and suicide prevention?

I educate myself by keeping up to date with news surrounding mental health. I look through websites such as the NHS and Mind to improve my knowledge on the signs and effects of mental health challenges and obtain information I can share to help improve the mental wellbeing of others.

I also keep up to date with any support services that are offered for people struggling so I am able to direct people to suitable help if needed.

Constant education on this topic has made me more aware of the people surrounding me, and helps me pick up on signs someone may be struggling. It has made me realise the importance of even just a text to a friend to make sure they know you are there for them if needed.

Georgia Coates, Recruitment Consultant

In your experience, have you noticed any common triggers or stressors that contribute to employees’ mental health challenges? How do you address these?

We have seen that finances and financial stability have a huge effect on people’s mental wellbeing. It’s an added stress that can really play on a person’s mind. Unfortunately for a lot of people it is a stress that they can’t return from – almost like a dead end, they struggle to find help and support as many don’t know about the resources out there to help, which ultimately snowballs the issue as they believe they have to work in order to afford the necessities, even when work isn’t a suitable place to be for them mentally. Charities such as the Lighthouse Club can offer financial aid to construction workers in many different ways such as assisting with bills, training courses or even replacing broken homeware.

Kamila Borowska, Administrator

What measures do you think businesses can take to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide?

Businesses can help reduce the stigma by fostering a supportive and open environment, encouraging conversations about mental health, providing access to resources, and offering training. Leadership should set the tone by openly discussing mental health and showing their commitment to employee well-being, while openly demonstrating that the mental health of their team is as important as their physical health.

Kat Wilson, Recruitment Consultant

What steps do you take to ensure that employees feel comfortable reaching out to you for help?

As a Mental Health First Aider, it’s important to ensure that people feel safe and supported when coming to me to discuss their feelings. The most important thing is to ensure that I am seen as a person of trust, who will only action upon the conversation by sharing it if it is absolutely necessary and I feel they are at risk to themselves or others. It’s also important to continue to promote my role, to signpost myself as a Mental Health First Aider so that people know they can turn to me if needed. Finally, it’s important that people feel that follow up conversations are non-intrusive and only there to continue my role in supporting their needs.

Stacey Wetzel, Business Support Co-ordinator

How do you think companies can better promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the workplace?

Creating a ‘safe space’ within the office for people to go to and have a minute if they are feeling overwhelmed
Making the décor peaceful and creating a positive, calming space. Keep as much visible material around the office space as possible that could support with mental health challenges – this could include books, posters, etc.
Learning how to spot things like autism and ADHD in adults who may not have been diagnosed
Implement regular check ins with staff – whether it be in person, via email or through a support hub
Create a portal where anyone can send messages anonymously, allowing mental health first aiders to gain access and provide support through chat. This way the staff member may not feel “awkward” if they come across the person they were talking to and may find it easier to express themselves in that moment and gain the support they need
Provide staff with a mental health day, giving them an opportunity to regain their strength mentally and physically.
Implementing events that will boost morale and positivity, such as a staff night out to make everyone feel included and provide a break from home life if needed.

Thanks to our Mental Health First Aiders, our colleagues always have someone to talk to when they need it most, without the fear of judgement. We’d like to thank them for their continued dedication in these roles, and for taking part and raising awareness around this often difficult to approach subject.