An interview with Levidian's Mental Health First Aiders
In recognition and support of Mental Health Awareness Week, we sat down with Levidian team members Mike Lloyd and Sandra Addison to discuss their important role as qualified Mental Health First Aiders at Levidian.
Hi both, thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Firstly, can you please tell us what a Mental Health First Aider is?
M: A Mental Health First Aider uses active listening skills to support colleagues in a non-judgemental manner and promotes awareness of mental health in the workplace. We are trained to spot the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and respond to a colleague who may need our support.
S: The role of a Mental Health First Aider is to support employees in the workplace who are experiencing ill mental health or distress. This support can vary from having a non-judgemental conversation with a colleague, through to guiding them towards the right support.
How did you become a Mental Health First Aider?
M: I’ve been a trained first aider at work for almost 20 years, and when I found out that St John Ambulance offered training for Mental Health First Aid in the workplace I jumped at the opportunity. The course was an intensive two days of study culminating in an exam and certification through a FAQ Level 3 Award in Mental Health: Workplace First Aider.
S: Similarly to Mike, I’ve been a trained first aider for around 20 years. After the last physical first aid course with St John Ambulance, I went to our CEO John to ask if I could train as a Mental Health First Aider, as it’s important to not only be there to help colleagues with their physical health but their mental health too. John was very supportive and after doing the course, where they suggested it would be a good idea to have two Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace, I asked if Mike would be interested too.
What’s the most important thing you took away from the course?
M: Recognising that mental health should be viewed as a continuum - our mental health fluctuates throughout our lives from being positive to negative. We need to recognise that we all have good mental health days and bad mental health days.
S: To be non-judgemental and how to provide support, there are so many reasons why people can be suffering with their mental health and it’s something that affects us all in one way or another throughout our lives.
What are the key responsibilities of a Mental Health First Aider at Levidian?
M: We promote mental health awareness by helping to eliminate stigma and common misconceptions associated with mental health issues. We cultivate a positive work environment where colleagues feel comfortable talking about mental health and provide support and advice to those who need it.
S: The Mental Health First Aider role includes:
Being able to recognise the early signs and symptoms of common workplace mental health illnesses.
Having the neccessary skills to have a supportive, non-judgemental conversation with those who need it.
Possessing the knowledge and confidence to guide colleagues to the appropriate professional support if they require it.
Promoting greater awareness of mental health in the workplace and removing stigma.
What would you say are the benefits of a business or organisation in having dedicated Mental Health First Aiders?
M: The Mental Health Foundation state 12.7% of all sickness absence each year can be attributed to mental health conditions. By creating a positive mental health culture, companies can boost the overall wellbeing of their employees - helping to increase productivity and reduce staff turnover and sickness. Most organisations already have trained physical First Aiders - mental health should be considered just as important as physical health.
S: Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental illness each year. In 2016, 15.8 million UK work days were lost due to mental illness. The largest causes of sickness absence for our country’s workforce is depression, stress, and anxiety. By having trained Mental Health First Aiders who can support their colleagues, businesses can create a positive environment, reduce sick days, increase productivity and reduce staff turnover.
Lastly, why is being a Mental Health First Aider so important to you?
M: I am passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues and fundamentally want to help and support people as much as I can. Throughout my life, I have known people who have struggled with anxiety and depression, and I want to eliminate the perceived stigma associated with speaking out about mental health issues.
S: Looking after people as a whole, both physically and mentally, is extremely important to me. Raising awareness of mental health and making sure that everyone feels they can talk openly about their mental health without stigma is a company value we promote at Levidian.
Mental Health Awareness Week
The Mental Health Foundation is a leading UK charity whose vision is for a world with good mental health for all. Mental Health Awareness Week started in 2001 and each May millions of people take part to raise awareness, encourage everyone to think about mental health, tackle stigma, and help to create a society that prevents mental health problems from developing and protect mental well-being.
We’re proud to be supporting Mental Health Foundation this Mental Health Awareness Week - 15 to 21 May 2023. Find out more and get involved by visting www.mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw.
About Mike
Research and Innovation Funding Manager Mike Lloyd has worked in scientific research and development both as a research scientist and innovation consultant. Mike identifies collaborative opportunities and secures grant funding to advance Levidian’s R&D.
Mike has been a qualified first aider for 20 years, and became a Mental Health First Aider in 2022.
About Sandra
Accounts and Office Manager Sandra Addison oversees Levidian’s administrative team and is responsible for all aspects of office management and accounts and payroll, as well as supporting with personnel management including employee on-boarding.
Sandra has been a qualified first aider for 20 years, and became a Mental Health First Aider in 2022.