Understand the Scope of Your Role
A Wellbeing Lead is not a Counsellor or Clinician – So What Do You Do?
What Good Training Equips You to Do
Mental health training courses will aim to teach 3 core skills to support mental health in the workplace. These are: 1. Early signs of distress and how to support someone; 2. Having a calm and non-judgmental conversation with someone who may be struggling with their mental health; 3. Knowing when and how to refer someone on for further support.
If you are looking for Mental Health Training Courses, see https://www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/.
Build a Simple Action Plan After Training
It’s a good idea to produce a simple 1 page document that details how to refer someone for support and send this to relevant team members. A simple example of a referral guide is below. This could be shared on a team area of the shared drive or via email. It’s also a good idea to make sure the document is up to date and easy to follow.
Champion Training Across Your Team
Wellbeing leads are most effective when they are supported by others. So it is worth trying to press for your line managers to receive first aid for mental health training as well. Try to present this as a cost effective way of dealing with issues such as sickness absence or getting feedback from a team rather than just talking about wellbeing.
Stay Current Over Time
Most mental health first aid qualifications need to be updated every three years, as do many other skills and knowledge. Put a reminder in your diary or calendar now for the update date three years from now, and look for a few hours of CPD (continuing professional development) events and/or workplace wellbeing updates in the years between now and then.
Treating your role with the seriousness it deserves, with the skills and a simple plan to put them into practice, will make a real difference to the people around you.
