Launch Event for Mental Health First Aid Courses – Supporting Outdoor Practitioners and Employers
Date: December 11th, 2024
• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Venue: EICA Ratho, Edinburgh
At First Aid Training Co-operative, we are excited to announce the launch of our new Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses, designed specifically for the workplace and outdoor sectors.
As a leading provider of first aid training in the UK, with nearly a decade of experience in the outdoor and wilderness first aid market, we understand the importance of mental health support in all environments. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Changes East Lothian to create courses tailored to meet the unique needs of both employers and outdoor practitioners.
The launch event will take place on December 11th, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at EICA Ratho, Edinburgh, where we will introduce our 2-day MHFA course for workplaces and the 1-day MHFA course for outdoor practitioners. Our goal is to ensure that individuals in workplaces and the outdoor sector are equipped with the tools and knowledge to respond to mental health challenges with the same level of preparedness as they would for physical emergencies.
Why is this important?
Mental health is an increasing concern across all sectors. In Scotland, two people a day die by suicide, and one in four people will experience mental health problems in any given year. Additionally, one in five people will take a day off work due to stress, yet many don’t disclose the true reason for their absence. This highlights a serious gap in the support provided for mental health distress in the workplace and outdoors, where mental health issues can sometimes be overlooked or misunderstood.
To address this gap, we are offering two key courses:
The new 2-day Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course is designed to teach individuals how to become certified Mental Health First Responders (MHFRs) in the workplace, ensuring that businesses have someone trained to respond to mental health issues just as they would a physical injury. This gold standard course is highly recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and has been developed to help organizations create a more supportive environment for staff.
Additionally, a 1-day Mental Health First Aid course for outdoor practitioners is being introduced in response to the specific needs of the outdoor sector. This course is tailored for mountain rescue teams, outdoor instructors, countryside rangers, forest school practitioners, scouts, and guide leaders, with content designed by a sector-specific working group to meet their unique challenges.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
Mental health issues are rising across the UK, and First Aid Training Co-operative recognizes the urgent need for action. In Scotland, two people a day tragically die by suicide, and one in four people in the UK experience a mental health issue each year. Furthermore, one in five people take a day off work each year due to stress, with many not disclosing the true reasons for their absence. By launching these comprehensive courses, First Aid Training Co-operative aims to help reduce these statistics by empowering individuals to provide support in times of mental health distress.
“Having a Mental Health First Responder (MHFR) in the workplace should be just as standard as having a physical first aider,” said Cory Jones, Director of First Aid Training Co-operative. “Our new 2-day Mental Health First Aid course, as well as the 1-day course for outdoor practitioners, provide organisations and outdoor leaders with the critical skills they need to support their colleagues and participants. The courses include new and unique content, designed to respond to the increasing demand for mental health awareness and practical intervention strategies.”
In addition to the training courses, First Aid Training Co-operative has developed a series of unique videos to accompany the courses. These videos provide valuable insight into mental health situations and how to respond. They are available on the company’s YouTube channel.
Additionally, over 30 detailed mental health awareness blogs covering mental health first aid are available on the company’s website, offering further resources and information on this vital subject. To mark the launch, First Aid Training Co-operative will also release a Digital Mental Health First Aid Manual, which provides an easily accessible, comprehensive guide for individuals and organisations to support mental health well-being in their environments.
Event Details:
• Date: December 11th, 2024
• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Venue: EICA Ratho, Edinburgh
The launch event will give participants the chance to learn more about the courses, interact with experts in the mental health and outdoor sectors, and get a first look at the digital resources and manual.
RSVP and Participation:
We invite professionals from all sectors, particularly outdoor organizations, educational institutions, and businesses, to join us for this important event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network, gather information, and become part of the movement to improve mental health support in all areas of work.
To confirm your attendance, please RSVP by emailing cory@firstaidtrainingcooperative.com with your name and the names of any colleagues who will be attending. Please do so by 12 noon December 11th to ensure we can provide adequate catering and materials for the event.
The Importance of Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental health first aid is just as crucial as physical first aid, especially in high-risk environments like outdoor adventure, where stress, isolation, and intense physical activity can take a toll on mental well-being. We believe that offering these courses to outdoor practitioners, employers, and their teams will contribute to:
• Early intervention and prevention of mental health crises
• Creating a culture of support and well-being within organizations
• Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health
• Empowering staff and leaders to confidently handle mental health issues
• Improving overall well-being, which in turn can lead to higher productivity, lower absenteeism, and greater team cohesion
A Partnership for Mental Health
This initiative is being launched in partnership with Changes East Lothian, a local charity that works to improve mental health and well-being across the region. Their expertise in mental health support and advocacy will be integral to the training’s effectiveness, ensuring that participants receive a comprehensive and practical understanding of how to support others in distress.
Our Commitment to Mental Health
At First Aid Training Co-operative, we are committed to ensuring that mental health is treated with the same priority as physical health. By offering these specialized courses, we are not only helping organizations address mental health concerns in the workplace but also empowering outdoor professionals to provide much-needed support in challenging environments.
If you are unable to attend the launch event but would like more information on how our courses can benefit your organization or team, please feel free to get in touch. We are here to help you bring mental health first aid into your workplace and outdoor settings.
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to seeing you at the launch!
