Supporting your Mental Health
We are on a journey to ensure we fully support and encourage our employees to look after their mental health and well-being, and remove any barriers to achieve this. For all of us here at Fair Ways, it’s a given that mental ill-health needs to be addressed, not just in the short-term, but the long-term too. It doesn’t just affect one individual, it affects us all which is why we are investing more than ever in this area. We want our employees to feel safe, not only among their peers but within the workplace too. Our dedication represents our belief that mental health need not be stigmatised but embraced.
The role of a Mental Health First Aider at Fair Ways is to be a point of contact for all our employees who are experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. This interaction could range from having an initial conversation, to supporting the person to get appropriate help. As well as in a crisis, our Mental Health First Aiders are valuable in providing early intervention help for someone that may be developing a mental health issue.
Mental Health First Aiders are not trained to be therapists or psychiatrists but they can offer initial support through non-judgemental listening and guidance.
Mental Health First Aiders are trained to
Spot the early signs and symptoms of mental ill health
Start a supportive conversation with a colleague who may be experiencing a mental health issue or emotional destress
Assess the risk of suicide or self-harm
Encourage the person to access appropriate professional support or self-help strategies
Escalate to the appropriate emergency services, if necessary
Maintain confidentiality as appropriate
Protect themselves while performing their role
Abbie Harding
Department: Fostering
Abbie is currently on long term leave, please contact another representative
MHFA: First Aiders in Action
Everyone, in every industry, can suffer from mental illness. We are taking proactive steps to offer support, advice and guidance to those in Fair Ways who require help.
Just About Coping Podcast
How can we create a world where everyone is coping? Introducing Just About Coping, a new podcast looking at the future of mental health and wellbeing. Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England Simon Blake OBE will be joined by a series of fantastic guests to try and answer this very question.
Join us on our journey as we imagine what a mentally healthy world might look.
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