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April 7, 2020

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Mental Health and wellbeing

Research study on Mental Health First Aid in business launched

The Centre for Mental Health and London South Bank University are embarking on a ground-breaking study of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England training in UK workplaces.

Centre for mental healthThe three-year study, funded by Mental Health First Aid England has brought together a group of leading Industry experts and is chaired by Lord Kamlesh Patel. Its aim is testing out the impact of MHFA England training over the long-term in a range of workplaces across the country.

Karl Simons Chief Health, Safety & Well-being Officer at Thames Water who sits on the Study’s External Reference Group told SHP: “As the visibility and profile of mental health within business has increased, we have seen an explosion in Mental Health First Aid training across the country by employers taking this serious to better support their people. This study is a great way to have a thorough independent and in depth review of the role, support and impact that Mental Health First Aiders are having in business.”

In normal times poor mental wellbeing in the workplace has a significant impact both on individual businesses and on the economy as a whole. It is estimated that the business cost of mental ill health at work is almost £35 billion a year nationwide – the equivalent of £1,300 for every person employed in every UK business. There is increasing understanding that employers can reduce some of these costs by taking positive action to improve mental health at work and create supportive, healthier, more productive businesses.

Dr Graham Durcan Director Associate Director at the Centre for Mental Health, who is directly leading the study, said: “The coronavirus outbreak means that we are having to pause the delivery of training for the time being. We know that every UK business is putting the safety of its staff first and many are having to make difficult adjustments to the challenges we are all facing.

We also know that all of our mental health is being challenged by the current crisis, and many businesses are concerned about the emotional as well as physical health of their teams. So, as soon as it is safe, we will be pushing ahead with the programme.”

“Our study offers MHFA England training without cost to workplaces that take part. When it is safe to resume, any businesses that have already agreed to join the study will continue to be included. If your organisation hasn’t yet taken up the opportunity, we are keen to hear from you and you can contact us now to register your interest.

“We’re looking for organisations of any size, in any industry or sector, to participate in this important study. In return, you will get access to MHFA England training without cost at a time when supporting the mental health of the UK workforce has never been more important.”

To find out more about the study, click here.

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