Most organisations wouldn’t dream of running a workplace without physical first aiders. If someone collapsed at their desk, everyone knows who to call. But what happens when the emergency isn’t physical?
When an employee is experiencing panic attacks, or when stress, anxiety, or depression start affecting their ability to cope, many workplaces still struggle to respond. That’s where Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) comes in — and why it’s a game-changer for organisations that take wellbeing seriously.
What Mental Health First Aid Is (and Isn’t)
MHFA equips employees with the skills and confidence to:
Notice the early signs of poor mental health.
Start supportive conversations.
Signpost colleagues to appropriate help.
It’s not about diagnosing, counselling, or “fixing” someone. Much like physical first aid, the role of an MHFAider is to provide initial support until professional or longer-term help is available.
Think of it as a bridge: connecting the dots between noticing something is wrong and helping someone take that crucial next step toward support.
The Organisational Benefits
1. Early Intervention Prevents Crisis
Spotting issues early can stop them from escalating into something more serious. An employee who feels noticed and supported is far more likely to access help before reaching burnout or crisis.
2. A Stronger Workplace Culture
When colleagues know there are trained MHFAiders in the workplace, it sends a powerful message: your mental health matters here. This visible commitment helps reduce stigma and encourages open conversations.
3. Confident and Compassionate Teams
Employees often want to help, but don’t know how. MHFA training gives them the confidence to approach a struggling colleague sensitively, rather than avoiding the subject out of fear of “saying the wrong thing.”
4. Reduced Costs of Poor Mental Health
The financial impact of poor mental health on UK businesses is estimated at £53–56 billion annually (Deloitte, 2022) through absenteeism, presenteeism, and staff turnover. Even small improvements in wellbeing and retention can make training highly cost-effective.
A Real-Life Example
Picture this: a team member who is normally engaged and upbeat has become withdrawn, missing deadlines and avoiding calls. Without training, colleagues may not know how to respond—or might assume the issue is performance-related.
But an MHFAider is trained to notice these changes and check in. They start a private, supportive conversation, listen without judgment, and encourage the colleague to access professional support. The person feels seen, supported, and takes steps toward recovery sooner.
Contrast this with a scenario where no one intervenes: the colleague continues to struggle silently, stress builds, and eventually they may need extended time off. The difference can be significant — both for the individual and the organisation.
Common Misconceptions About MHFA
❌ “We already have HR, isn’t that enough?”
Not always. Employees may hesitate to approach HR about personal struggles. MHFAiders provide an informal, approachable first point of contact.
❌ “It’s too expensive.”
The cost of training is far outweighed by the cost of absenteeism and turnover due to poor mental health.
❌ “It won’t change anything.”
On the contrary, MHFA often sparks ripple effects across teams. Conversations become easier, stigma reduces, and wellbeing feels embedded—not just a policy on paper.
Getting Started with MHFA
Like any initiative, MHFA works best when it’s integrated into a wider wellbeing strategy. That means:
Training a mix of managers and employees.
Making sure MHFAiders are visible and accessible.
Backing the programme with ongoing resources and communication.
When done well, MHFA becomes part of the culture rather than a tick-box exercise.
Final Thoughts
Mental health is just as important as physical health — and it’s time organisations treated it that way. Mental Health First Aid is not a cure-all, but it’s a powerful tool for creating workplaces where employees feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.
By investing in MHFA, organisations aren’t just training individuals; they’re building cultures where wellbeing is taken seriously, stigma is reduced, and people know that help is there when it’s needed most.
If you’d like to explore how MHFA training could benefit your workplace, I’d love to support you.