We’re proud to share that Jimmy’s now has three fully certified Mental Health First Aiders! This important milestone comes after three staff members participated in a comprehensive two-day Mental Health First Aid training course. It means that Jimmy’s now has trained staff who can provide immediate mental health support, just like a physical first aider would in a medical emergency.
We would like to thank the Rural Communities Mental Health Foundation (RCMHF), and particularly their co-founder Kate Scott hugely for this opportunity, and for sharing their resources with us.
What Is Mental Health First Aid Training?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training teaches people how to recognize the signs of mental health challenges, provide initial support, and guide individuals toward appropriate professional help. Just like physical first aid, MHFA focuses on early intervention and non-judgmental support.
Our Training Experience
We completed this accredited MHFA course through Wise Mind Training & Consultancy, with support from the Rural Communities Mental Health Foundation. Huge thanks to usie and Rachael from Wise Mind for delivering this training with compassion, insight, and professionalism.
During the course, we engaged in:
-
🗣️ Group discussions to share experiences and learn from one another
-
🎥 Educational videos that explained conditions like depression and anxiety clearly
-
🎠Role play exercises to practice supporting someone in a mental health crisis
These hands-on sessions helped us build practical, real-world skills to apply every day in our workplace and community.
Why Mental Health Education Matters
One powerful comparison we learned really stood out:
In 2024, 1,633 people in the UK lost their lives in road traffic accidents.
In the same year, over 7,000 people died by suicide.
These numbers are heartbreaking—and they highlight why Mental Health First Aid training is more than just helpful. It’s essential.
Key Skills Taught in MHFA Training
Mental Health First Aiders are trained to:
âś… Recognise early signs of mental health problems
âś… Support individuals in crisis with empathy and confidence
âś… Understand common conditions like depression, anxiety, and psychosis
âś… Encourage people to seek professional help
âś… Reduce stigma surrounding mental illness
âś… Practice self-care and protect their own wellbeing
You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup
One of the biggest takeaways from our training was the importance of self-care. To truly care for others, we must first take care of ourselves. That means managing our own stress, setting healthy boundaries, and checking in with our own mental health regularly.
Why We Recommend Mental Health First Aid Training
We’re proud to be part of a growing movement that empowers people to look after one another’s mental health. If you’re considering becoming a Mental Health First Aider, we highly recommend it. It’s a life-changing skill that can make a real difference in your workplace, your family, and your community.
Learn More
- Learn more about Mental Health First Aid England
- Explore MHFA courses at Wise Mind Training & Consultancy
- Learn more about Rural Communities Mental Health Foundation
Certified Mental Health First Aiders celebrating completion of MHFA course