Mental Health First Aid

We know that one in four of us will experience a Mental Health issue in any one given year. The economic cost is huge, estimated up to £99 billion a year, but the human cost is incalculable. In 2022 the Community Partnership invited individuals volunteering across a wide range of groups in our communities to undertake a course enabling them to learn about mental health and the ways to find support in order to empower those they come into contact with, to thrive. This was done via MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) England and upon completion of the course were accredited as Mental Health First Aiders. The course was both intensive and challenging, but all of the participants came away with new skills and were able to return to their respective groups able to provide a greater degree of support.

The group appreciate the importance of peer support and therefore have met regularly to support each other. The group are all members of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders. In August 2025 they revalidated their training for a further 3 years to ensure that their skills are renewed, their knowledge of mental health support is updated and they will also be supported in applying the Mental Health First Aid action plan.