Mental Health First Aid Q & A
Q: What is Mental health first aid
A: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training program designed to help individuals provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem. The program provides participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions, and to offer appropriate assistance and referral to professional help when necessary.
The MHFA course typically covers topics such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance use disorders, and suicide prevention. Participants learn how to approach someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis, how to provide initial help and support, how to assess the risk of harm to the individual, and how to refer them to appropriate professional help.
I offer MHFA Adult courses to businesses on their own site, off site, online. Also to school teachers or any other type of organisation. The training can help reduce stigma around mental health issues and increase awareness and understanding of mental health conditions.
Q: What’s the objective of receiving MHFA training
The objective of receiving Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide initial support and assistance to someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem.
By completing MHFA training, individuals can learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions, how to approach someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis, how to provide initial support and help, and how to refer them to appropriate professional help when necessary.
The main objectives of MHFA training are:
- To increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
- To reduce stigma around mental health problems.
- To provide participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health conditions.
- To teach participants how to approach and support someone experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem.
- To promote early intervention and timely access to appropriate professional help.
- To help create a supportive and safe environment for people experiencing mental health problems.
Overall, the objective of receiving MHFA training is to improve mental health literacy and provide individuals with the confidence and skills to provide initial support and help to someone experiencing a mental health problem.
Q: What are the main professional charities in south east and south west Wales to help with mental health?
A: There are several professional charities in South East and South West Wales that provide support and services for mental health. Some of the main charities are:
- Mind Cymru – Mind Cymru is a mental health charity that provides information, support, and advice for people affected by mental health problems in Wales. They have offices across Wales, including in Cardiff and Swansea.
Mind Cymru: You can contact Mind Cymru at 029 2039 5123 or by email at info@mind.org.uk. Their website is https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/mind-cymru/. - Hafal – Hafal is a Welsh mental health charity that provides a range of services and support for people affected by serious mental illness, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other complex mental health problems. They have offices across Wales, including in Cardiff and Carmarthen.
Hafal: You can contact Hafal at 01792 816600 or by email at info@hafal.org. Their website is https://www.hafal.org/. - Gofal – Gofal is a Welsh mental health and wellbeing charity that provides a range of support services for people affected by mental health problems, including advocacy, housing support, and employment services. They have offices across South Wales, including in Cardiff, Swansea, and Bridgend.
Gofal: You can contact Gofal at 029 2022 2000 or by email at info@gofal.org.uk. Their website is https://www.gofal.org.uk/. - Cardiff Mind – Cardiff Mind is a local Mind branch that provides a range of mental health services and support in Cardiff and the surrounding area, including counselling, wellbeing groups, and advocacy.
Cardiff Mind: You can contact Cardiff Mind at 029 2038 7111 or by email at info@cardiffmind.org. Their website is https://www.cardiffmind.org/. - The Wallich – The Wallich is a homelessness charity that provides a range of services and support for people affected by homelessness, including those with mental health problems. They have offices across South Wales, including in Cardiff and Swansea.
The Wallich: You can contact The Wallich at 029 2066 7530 or by email at info@thewallich.net. Their website is https://thewallich.com/. - Samaritans – Samaritans is a national charity that provides emotional support to anyone in distress, including those experiencing mental health problems. They have a branch in Cardiff and can be contacted 24/7 via phone, email, or in person.
Samaritans: You can contact Samaritans in Cardiff at 116 123 (free to call) or by email at jo@samaritans.org. Their website is https://www.samaritans.org/branches/cardiff/. - Mind Monmouthshire – Mind Monmouthshire is a local Mind branch that provides a range of mental health support services in Monmouthshire, including counselling, befriending, and wellbeing groups.
Mind Monmouthshire: You can contact Mind Monmouthshire at 01873 858275 or by email at info@mindmonmouthshire.org.uk. Their website is https://www.mindmonmouthshire.org.uk/. - Newport Mind – Newport Mind is a local Mind branch that provides mental health support and services in Newport, including counselling, advocacy, and wellbeing groups.
Newport Mind: You can contact Newport Mind at 01633 258741 or by email at info@newportmind.org. Their website is https://www.newportmind.org/. - Llamau – Llamau is a homelessness and domestic abuse charity that provides a range of support services for people affected by homelessness, including those with mental health problems. They have offices across South Wales, including in Cardiff, Newport, and Swansea.
Llamau: You can contact Llamau at 029 2023 9585 or by email at info@llamau.org.uk. Their website is https://www.llamau.org.uk/. - Swansea Mind – Swansea Mind is a local Mind branch that provides mental health support and services in Swansea and the surrounding area, including counselling, befriending, and wellbeing groups.
Llamau: You can contact Llamau at 029 2023 9585 or by email at info@llamau.org.uk. Their website is https://www.llamau.org.uk/.
Q: Are there specific charities out there to help men?
A: There are mental health charities specifically dedicated to supporting men’s mental health. Here are a few examples:
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – CALM is a UK charity that provides support for men who are experiencing emotional distress or are at risk of suicide. They offer a free, confidential helpline, webchat, and information and resources on their website. Their website is https://www.thecalmzone.net/.
- Men’s Health Forum – The Men’s Health Forum is a UK charity that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of men and boys. They have a specific focus on mental health, with information and resources on their website about topics such as depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Their website is https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/.
- Andy’s Man Club – Andy’s Man Club is a UK charity that provides peer support groups for men who are experiencing mental health issues. They have groups in various locations across the UK, and also offer online support. Their website is https://andysmanclub.co.uk/.
- Brothers in Arms – Brothers in Arms is a UK charity that provides online support for men who are experiencing mental health problems. They offer a chatbot service that uses artificial intelligence to provide support and signpost users to other resources. Their website is https://brothersinarmsscotland.co.uk/.
- The Lions Barber Collective – The Lions Barber Collective is a UK charity that aims to raise awareness of men’s mental health and prevent suicide. They work with barbershops and hairdressers to create safe spaces for men to talk about their mental health, and provide training for barbers on how to recognise the signs of mental health problems. Their website is https://www.thelionsbarbercollective.com/.
- Brothers Trust – Brothers Trust is a UK charity that provides support and resources for men who are struggling with their mental health. They offer online counselling, workshops, and a range of resources on their website. Their website is https://brotherstrust.org/.
- Men’s Minds Matter – Men’s Minds Matter is a UK charity that provides support for men who are experiencing mental health problems. They offer a range of services, including counselling, support groups, and online resources. Their website is https://mensmindsmatter.org/.
- Mental Health Foundation – The Mental Health Foundation is a UK charity that works to improve the mental health of everyone in the UK, including men. They have a range of resources and information on their website, including specific information on men’s mental health. Their website is https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/.
