Staff at West Suffolk councils trained to deal with mental health sufferers
Mental health issues can affect any of us at any time in our lives but doesn’t get the same recognition as our physical health even though they are connected.
That is why, as part of its commitment to raising awareness as well as to its staff, West Suffolk councils has trained 12 Mental Health First Aiders.
Stephen Edwards, Cabinet Member at Forest Heath for Resources and Performance, said: “As a society, the way we talk about mental health, recognise issues in ourselves and each other and reach out and provide help, needs to change. There is some progress being made to break down the barriers, the stigma and misunderstanding but there is still a long way to go.
“If you cut your finger at work, or slip and hit your head, many organisations will have a trained First Aider on hand to assess your physical health and wellbeing and make the right call in seeking professional help if required. While that is a legal requirement in workplaces over a certain size, the same recognition isn’t given to the importance of mental health. That is why West Suffolk councils is taking the lead not just in terms of looking after the mental health of its own staff but also to raise awareness of mental health in general.”
Ian Houlder, St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources and Performance, said: “Employers are beginning to recognise the need to train people to help assist people suffering from mental health issues and I’m delighted that West Suffolk councils is raising awareness of mental health. Our staff are no different from anyone else – all of us in our lives have moments of stress and anxiety and sometimes those issues build up inside us which is perhaps why at least one in three of us will experience mental health issues at some point in our lives.
“We have a strong commitment to supporting mental health through a number of initiatives including a comprehensive Mental Health at Work policy. We also encourage staff to challenge negativity when it comes to discussing mental health and to learn about how to improve mental health in all areas of our lives.
“The 12 staff have all undertaken a Mental Health First Aider England training course giving them the skills and confidence to spot some of the tell tale signs for common mental health issues and how to have that conversation with someone, to listen without judgement, to encourage them to speak freely and to point them to the appropriate help if required.”
As part of raising awareness of the Mental Health First Aiders and to encourage people to ask questions about mental health, the team of 12 held a cake sale at the council’s offices at West Suffolk House, in Bury St Edmunds, and College Health Road, in Mildenhall.
The cake sale raised £141 and the money is being donated to St Nicholas Hospice Care. With thanks to all those who made and donated the cakes.
Pictured above are some of the staff at West Suffolk councils who have been trained as Mental Health First Aiders.