Mental Wellbeing

Our Mental Health First Aiders

We want the Federation to be a mentally healthy and positive workplace, where everyone who works here feels good about being here.

This commitment to employee wellbeing is one of the key priorities of our people strategy. 

Similar to physical first aiders, the role of MHFA is taken on alongside existing responsibilities but postholders are offered protected time to carry out the duties. Both our MHFAs have received specialist training.

Reflecting this commitment, we have appointed Lisa Downes and Nishika Seneviratne as our Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA).

Lisa and Nishika reviewing MHFA training

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Immediate Support: Offer initial support and guidance to employees experiencing mental health issues and signposting them to professional help as needed.
• Recognise Warning Signs: Identify signs and symptoms of mental health concerns and approach affected employees with empathy and understanding.
• Promote Mental Health Awareness: Help foster an environment where mental health is openly discussed and destigmatised within the workplace.
• Support in Crisis Situations: Assist in situations where an employee is in mental health crisis, providing necessary support and directing them to appropriate professional services.
• Maintain Confidentiality: Ensure that all conversations and situations are handled with the utmost confidentiality and respect for the individual’s privacy.
• Act as a Point of Contact: Serve as a reliable point of contact for employees who might need to discuss their mental health concerns.

Contact:

Contact Lisa and Nishika in full confidence at: nclicb.hgpf.mfha@nhs.net