The Role of a Mental Health First Aider

Page updated: 24/05/2023

Overview  

The main aim of the Mental Health First Aider is to spot the signs of possible mental ill-health and to provide initial support to staff who need assistance, in much the same way as a Physical First Aider responds to physical injury or illness. The Mental Health First Aider will be supported to promote a workplace culture where staff are free to discuss mental health issues openly and feel supported by their colleagues when they do so.  

If you have any questions regarding the role of a Mental Health First Aider, please contact the Health and Wellbeing Team - health&wellbeing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk. 

The Role of a Mental Health First Aider (.PDF)

 Key Attributes

  • Passionate about increasing awareness and reducing mental health stigma within the Authority.    
  • High degree of empathy and sensitivity.   
  • Ability to remain calm in a potentially difficult situation, such as dealing with a colleague who is distressed. or upset.  
  • Strong organisational skills and time management; able to balance your normal work with your role as a Mental Health First Aider.
  • High degree of integrity, for example by recognising the importance of maintaining confidentiality.   

 Key Tasks and Responsibilities  

  • Spotting the early signs of possible poor mental health.
  • Offering support and having a conversation with the employee.
  • Signposting the employee to appropriate support as required.
  • Dealing with, and appropriately responding to, a crisis situation.
  • Promoting good mental health within the Authority.

 Expectations and Boundaries of the Role 

  • You should not attempt to diagnose or treat mental health issues. 
  • You should respect an individual's privacy and acknowledge when they may not want to engage.
  • You should not disclose any personal information and treat all discussions as confidential.
  • You should not let your role as a Mental Health First Aider impact on your current work commitments and responsibilities. 
  • You should not let your role as a Mental Health First Aider negatively impact upon your own wellbeing.

 Training Outcomes

  • An understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect mental wellbeing.   
  • Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues.   
  • Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress.   
  • Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgmental listening. 
  • Knowledge to guide colleagues and signpost them to further support, whether through self-help resources, internal services such as Occupational Health, or the NHS. 

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