MHFA Boundaries in the workplace
In the last few weeks, we have had the pleasure of rolling out an extremely important course, focusing on 'boundaries' MHFA's.
Until I started with Think Mental Health in September last year, seeing what Mental Health First Aid looked like in the workplace, was new to me. Utilising my experience from Mental Health services, I was eager to ensure that these courses went beyond MHFA training, to protect both those supporting, and those receiving support. Delivering Mental Health training is not an add on - the person training the trainers needs to have an in-depth understanding of exactly what MHFA’s should and should not be involved or supporting with. We ALWAYS extend modules on the role of a MHFA to ensure learners have a clear understanding. However, Our new ‘Boundaries’ course sets out core principles to be used as a point of reference by MHFA, HR and employers to ensure this is clearly explored.
Having MHFA’S in the workplace is a great way of offering a listening ear, guiding colleagues to available support, chipping away at the stigma around Mental Health in the workplace, and reframing misconceptions. Just as physical first aiders are not paramedics, MHFA’s are not clinicians. There are lots of potential risks that can arise with MHFA, if an instructor isn’t aware or doesn’t understand these, how is that awareness passed on to MHFA's, to ensure these risks are mitigated? Often the people who volunteer to train as MHFA’s are supporting their colleagues already, but are able to leave this training with a better understanding of how to do this effectively, without causing further concern, and with clear boundaries to keep everyone safe.
At Think Mental Health, we strive to go beyond what is expected of our accredited courses, as we know that theory is not always represented in practice.
We have recognised the need for MHFA’s to have a deeper understanding on what is, and is not, expected of them in their role. We have collated feedback from current MHFA’s, HR teams and employers on the challenges their MHFA’s have been experiencing. We recognise that three years is a long time in between refreshers. MHFA’s often don’t know how they are going to feel in the supporting role until they are qualified, which is when questions arise - this is the main reason that TMH offer ongoing support to MHFA’s, after qualification.
The course introduces a framework which has been mindfully created to share with our partners to support their employees. The framework highlights a set of core principles which clearly outlines the remit of the role focusing on boundaries, and prioritises the safety of all.This is an interactive session which reminds MHFA that they are a team within a team, and supports their continued development.
The feedback so far has been better than we could have imagined. MHFA’s and HR teams have reported that their concerns have reduced, with increased clarity and confidence.
If your MHFA’s require further understanding and guidance around the remit of their role, please drop us a message. This course can also be booked in addition to our MHFA level 3 course to offer further learning.