Events

Essential Mental Health First Aid

Every practice needs one person who is trained in first aid, but what about for the mind? Do you know how to help a colleague (or yourself) when things get tough? Awareness is growing of just how acutely mental health issues impact us at work and RSUA has partnered with the Architects Benevolent Society (ABS) to deliver training to help architects and practices recognise and address these important issues with the generous support of Carlanto Tiles. ABS offers a range of support in relation to mental health and Alina Holyst will speak briefly at the start.

It’s estimated that the overall prevalence of mental health conditions is up to 25% higher in Northern Ireland than in England and costs over 3.5 billion per year. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental illnesses in the workplace. As most of those experiencing mental health problems are in active employment, the workplace has a vital role to play in promoting mental health awareness and resilience.

This course will teach skills and techniques to look after your colleagues’ mental health and how to manage feelings when your co-workers are stressed, worried or depressed. It will help participants cope with challenges both in the workplace and at home.

Course content

This two-hour session will cover:

What is mental health?
Mental health at work
Mental ill-health including signs and symptoms of stress and depression in yourself and others
Looking after our mental health
Sources of help which you can use to advise or signpost colleagues

Speaker info

This training will be delivered by AWARE – the depression charity for Northern Ireland. Since 1996, AWARE have delivered mental health and well-being programmes into communities, schools, colleges, universities and workplaces. These programmes include Mood Matters programmes, Living Life to the Full, Mental Health First Aid and Mindfulness.