Thread by @ValentinaHynes

@WorldofGoodBook Thanks for sharing @WorldofGoodBook

As we’ve debated this before, you already know my views on this. The BMC study summary you have seems right. MHFA role is neither to diagnose or treat. But to offer support.

I’ve got a long thread coming up in response. @JayneHarrison3

@WorldofGoodBook @JayneHarrison3 1). MHFA is not a stopgap solution and should stop being rendered as a tick box exercise. To cater for the #mentalwellbeing of people, a holistic approach needs to be implemented like i stated in my article. Much like your position that employee benefits should be holistic.

@WorldofGoodBook @JayneHarrison3 2). MHFA is meant to be a supportive role. Not a diagnostic or prescriptive one. They are trained to recognise good mental health risk factors and protective factors and work to implement protective factors in the workplace.

@WorldofGoodBook @JayneHarrison3 Choosing #mentalhealth champions should be done carefully. Employers should consider:
a) the fitness of the person brought forward
b) the personality (it needs to be a people person, not a task oriented person)
c) the person’s relationship with the wider organisation. Trusted?

@WorldofGoodBook @JayneHarrison3 3). What autonomy does the Mental Health/Well-being Champion have? Do they have voice? Can they act to support a person suffering or are they only expected to signpost?

MHFA teaches one ALGEE and CPR. Much like the physical First Aider. What is ALGEE?

@WorldofGoodBook @JayneHarrison3 What is ALGEE?

Assess & plan Approach
Listen Non-judgementally
Give Support
Encourage Professional Support
Encourage other forms of support.

CPR is Careful consideration of: Current Plan, Prior behaviour / history & investigate Resources to assess the professional help needed

@WorldofGoodBook @JayneHarrison3 Like all research, like all studies, context matters. Lived experiences cannot be discounted. I’ve got lived experience and I believe the MHFA training is helpful, and beneficial when properly implemented. #wellbeing isn’t black or white.

@WorldofGoodBook @JayneHarrison3 Lived experiences matter. Some, like you are confident and self aware enough to go to the Samaritans or other professionals when in need. (May I say, some Samaritans are also MHF trained?
We however talk to friends, our partners, family and even colleagues in a casual manner.

@WorldofGoodBook @JayneHarrison3 The MH first Aider is not necessarily a confidante. They are people who are trained to hone their observation skills and can tell when patterns of your behaviour start to change and assess how to best support you.

@WorldofGoodBook @JayneHarrison3 Every form of mental health training is important because it increases mental health awareness and knowledge to take away bias. If it does that, I dare say it is a success.
Mental Health First Aid is not the whole solution. It is a part of the solution.

hrzone.com/perform/people…

@WorldofGoodBook @JayneHarrison3 I’m Valentina and I’m done speaking. 🎙🤣.

@WorldofGoodBook @JayneHarrison3 @threadreaderapp please can you unroll this along with my comments? Thank you 🙏🏾