Mental Health First Aid

"If you actually improve the general population's well being you are planning for the maximum impact on those people who are most at risk"

Ian MacPherson, Director of the National Mental Health Development Unit, Guardian 24 June 2009

• One in four British adults will experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any one year.
• In the course of of our lives one in six of us will suffer from depression - most commonly between the ages of 25 and 44.
• One in ten people are likely to suffer from disabling anxiety at some stage of their life.

In addition to this people who suffer from mental health problems suffer a great deal of stigma.

"people with mental health problems frequently tell me that the stigma and discrimination they face because of their diagnosis has a bigger impact on their lives than the underlying symptoms of mental illness. They tell me they can manage their symptoms and get on with their lives, but fear, prejudice and the resulting discrimination take away the rights that most of us take for granted." 

Rosie Winterton as Minister of State for Health Services

Mental Health First Aid is a common-sense approach to mental health awareness using the First Aid model.

It is designed to increase awareness of mental health issues and reduce the stigma associated with them in the community.

The scheme was founded in Australia by Betty Kitchener and Prof Anthony Jorm. Mental Health First Aid England has built upon the work of the Scotland's Mental Health First Aid programme introduced by the Scottish Executive.

Bill Cunningham is an approved MHFA England instructor who has delivered courses across the country.

You can find more details on the reasons Mental Health First Aid has been introduced in England here. Feel free to contact Bill if you have any questions about MHFA and how you can attend, or organise a mental health first aid course.

Please be advised that given the nature of this training some participants may find elements of the course emotionally challenging and distressing