Why Mental Health Training?
Mental health issues are widespread. Depression is the third biggest cause of disability in the UK.[1] Yet 75% of people with mental illness receive no treatment at all.[2]
Why? People might be embarrassed or fear discrimination; 51% of employees say they’re reluctant to talk to their manager about their mental health.[3] They might cover it up or might even lack the insight to know they’re unwell; 45% of absences due to stress in 2015 went reported as a cold or stomach upset.[4]
The upshot is that poor Mental Health is now the number one reason for staff absence in the UK. It means a staggering annual £1,300 cost per employee.[5] Investing in Mental Health has become a strategic imperative. In doing so, employers recoup up to £9 for every £1 spent.[6]
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training gives people practical skills to spot signs of mental ill health, challenge stigma and carry out difficult conversations. It empowers managers - 84% of managers consider employee mental health their responsibility, but only 24% have received training in it.[7]. It is backed by evidence - in a study of 81 organisations, 87% reported an increase in mental health conversations and 59% reported a rise in help-seeking behaviour, following MHFA training.[8]
Would you like to join the growing number of organisations who are driving culture change in staff well-being through giving their staff Mental Health training? See training options here or contact me for a conversation about your aspirations for your workplace.