These ‘mental health first aid’ blogs are useful to every sector.
The First Aid Training Co-operative is a professional training organisation, where ‘Quality Training Saves Lives’. The ‘mental health first aid’ blogs are designed to enhance the knowledge of our students and the general public. For those who attend our first aid training courses these blogs will keep them up to date with changes in the first aid sector and allow them to gain access to new knowledge about mental health first aid skills as it becomes available.
The outdoor sector has always recognised the importance of keeping people physically safe, but mental health is now rightly receiving the same level of attention. Whether leading a mountain expedition, instructing a paddle sport session, working at an outdoor centre or supporting colleagues behind the scenes, outdoor professionals can find themselves responding to someone experiencing…
If you require mental health crisis support services immediately: Thinking about suicide? Worried about someone else? Disclaimer This page is intended as a self-help tool and is not intended as a substitute for professional services. Please seek help from a crisis service or a doctor if you are thinking about suicide. Suicide prevention is life
Suicide prevention – get help now. Read More »
Behavioural Symptoms of Mental Health Distress Mental symptoms are often the first noticeable signs of mental health distress. These symptoms affect how a person thinks, feels, and perceives the world around them. One of the most common signs is a persistent feeling of sadness or low mood. This is often seen in depression but can
Early warning signs of mental health distress Read More »
Mental health is often overlooked in expedition planning, despite being a leading cause of incidents, early withdrawals and impaired decision-making in the field. Stress, anxiety, burnout, interpersonal conflict and unresolved trauma can affect anyone, whether they are trekking in the Andes, conducting climate research in Africa, or undertaking conservation projects in remote Scottish glens.
Speaking at RGS Explore 2025 on Mental Health First Aid in Expedition Settings Read More »
Why Mental Health First Aid Training is Essential for Outdoor Practitioners. In the great outdoors, safety has always been the top priority. Outdoor practitioners undergo rigorous training to respond to physical injuries and environmental hazards. But what happens when the challenges aren’t physical, but mental? The growing awareness of mental health in outdoor environments has
FIRST – A framework for managing mental health distress in the outdoors Read More »
Mental health is a widespread but often misunderstood issue. Mental Health First Aid courses aim to help address this helping us to understand mental health and also to offer support to those in distress. Why is Mental Health First Aid so important? Mental health problems are one of the main causes of the overall disease
An Introduction to Mental Health First Aid Read More »
Neurodiversity in the Outdoor Sector – New Research Highlights Need for Greater Awareness At the First Aid Training Co-operative, our work developing a suite of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses for outdoor professionals has taken us in some fascinating directions. One recent project has been to explore an issue many practitioners have spoken about
Neurodiversity in the Outdoor Sector Read More »
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. It affects millions of people globally with symptoms that range from mild to severe. Anxiety can present in many ways including excessive worry, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating and restlessness. For some people, anxiety can stem from specific stressors or life events, while
Signs and Treatment of Anxiety and its connection to PTSD Read More »
Suicide is a deeply troubling and complex issue that affects individuals, families and communities. It is often surrounded by stigma and silence, making it difficult to address openly. However, asking the right questions and having honest conversations about suicide can save lives. In this blog, we will explore the factors that can lead to suicidal
Suicide and Why We Ask the Question Read More »
Signs and Treatment of ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults, influencing attention, focus, impulse control and activity levels. It presents differently in everyone, which can make it challenging to recognise and address. Understanding the signs, treatment options, and how to support someone with ADHD as a Mental
Signs and Treatment of ADHD: A Guide for Mental Health First Responders Read More »