Do you want to learn how to become a mental health first aider?

Do you want to learn how to become a mental health first aider?

Aberdeenshire Council is looking to train 20 employees as mental health first aiders. Mental health first aid training aims to provide individuals with the experience to identify and support someone who may be developing poor mental health. Similar to the way that we learn physical first aid, mental health first aid teaches individuals how to support someone through a mental health crises until they can get professional support.

We are looking for a group of compassionate individuals spread throughout Aberdeenshire Council to become mental health first aiders. There will be no specific requirements on their time apart from the two days training, however we do ask that they are there to advise, support or signpost other colleagues and managers in the council.

Some employees will also find the training useful for their day to day role in supporting adults and children resident in Aberdeenshire. Not to mention the skills to support friends and family in the future.

Specifically, the training will cover:

–       spotting the signs and symptoms of poor mental health,

–       practicing listening and responding,

–       provided some information about mental health problems,

–       training in how to respond if you believe someone is at risk of suicide,

–       help you to understand the principles of recovery,

–       for further information visit the Scottish Mental Health First Aid website

The training will be delivered by an experienced mental health first aid trainer from NHS Scotland. Delegates will receive a nationally recognised certificate as a mental health first aider. The two day training will take place in Inverurie, Gordon house on the Monday,  June 1 and Monday, June 8. Interested delegates must be able to attend both days of training.

If you would like to attend this training, and become a mental health first aider, please contact  holly.morrison@aberdeenshire.gov.uk