Mental Health First Aiders

Nicola Walker - MHFA

Why did you volunteer to become a Mental Health First Aider?

I volunteered to become a MHFA as within my role as Enterprise Coordinator, I see numerous students with mental health illnesses, who often seem to open up to me about their problems. I wanted to be able to help and support them as best I can to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
I also have friends and family suffering with mental health problems so wanted to learn more about the different illnesses, how I can give support and information and how I can encourage the person to seek professional help.

Why do you think it is important to raise awareness of mental health issues?

It’s important to raise awareness of mental health issues so we can recognise the first signs and symptoms of somebody having a problem. Whilst we’re not here to diagnose and provide medication, it’s important to be able to signpost somebody to get professional help, be understanding and empathetic, and provide a point of contact for support.

What would happen if someone came to you for support, and how would you prefer to be contacted?

If someone came to me for support I would ensure that we are in a private space (virtual or in person) to talk openly and confidentially, with no judgment. I would provide an open ear for the person to talk about their concerns and issues, and would then advise on next steps.
I’m happy to be contacted via email n.j.walker@hud.ac.uk, telephone 01484 256766, or by popping into my office BIC2/19a – whatever the individual feels most comfortable with.

What kind of things do you recommend, to support positive mental health?

To support positive mental health, I recommend that everyone takes regular breaks throughout the day (easier said than done, I know) and makes the time to do things for themselves that they enjoy or helps them to relax. For me, this is exercise, reading a book, or enjoying a good cup of tea and some chocolate! I encourage people to make ‘me time’ part of their daily routine, talk openly about how they are feeling, and know that it’s okay to not feel okay at times.

Claire Round - MHFA

Why did you volunteer to become a Mental Health First Aider?

My motivation is wanting to help other people and be there for them, as I know what a difference it can make.  I’d like everyone to know that whatever they are going through, support is here and they are not alone.

I’ve had my own struggles with mental health, having lost my mum quite suddenly 10 years ago, which had a huge impact on me and my family. I will be forever grateful for a very patient husband and some wonderful people around me at work and at home, who supported me, sometimes by just sitting and listening and keeping a check on me.  Knowing that someone is there for you, to listen and support you can make such a difference to your day when you are struggling. 

I feel privileged to be able to help others and it’s so important for everyone to know that it’s normal and ok if you don’t feel great all of the time, but also know that there will be better days ahead.

 

Why do you think it is important to raise awareness of mental health issues?

It’s important to raise awareness of mental health issues to de-stigmatise them and make mental health a normal part of our everyday lives.  Gone are the days of quietly pretending mental health issues don’t exist and sweeping them under the carpet – we all have mental health, some days it can be great, other days not so much and that’s perfectly normal.  On those days we need to be there for each other to support, recognise signs and have conversations to help wherever we can. The more awareness and understanding we have, the more we can help others.  We can share techniques and strategies to help each other through the more difficult days.

 

What would happen if someone came to you for support, and how would you prefer to be contacted? 

First of all they’d be made welcome and no problem is too small.

We’d meet however they feel comfortable, whether that’s virtually or a chat in-person, undisturbed over a quiet cuppa.  I would want anyone to know that they can talk openly and confidentially, without judgement.  Whether it’s a bad day and they need to talk through it, or they’re going through a difficult time and need help accessing additional support services, I am here to help.

I’m based in the office most days, so I’m happy to be contacted over Teams or by email and can arrange to meet up at short notice.  Or they can always pop up to the office in the Schwann Building (SB6/44).

 

What kind of things do you recommend, to support positive mental health?

I think it’s important to know yourself and what makes you tick.  For me, getting outside in the fresh air and walking my dog is an essential part of my wellbeing.  I read that a walk needs to be at least 20 minutes long to have a positive impact on your mental health and I absolutely believe this.  I can feel myself relaxing as I walk, and the time and space away from four walls helps me get things into perspective.

Also, make sure you do something for yourself every day, even if it’s only a few minutes and a chapter of a book you love, or a quiet coffee curled up in your favourite chair. 

Keep talking!  The feel-good value of a catch-up with a friend or colleague can be such a boost to us. 

Finally, if you know you’re not having a good day, be kind to yourself, believe it will pass and I’m always here if you need talk.

Sally Hobson - MHFA

Why did you volunteer to become a Mental Health First Aider?

I volunteered to be a Mental Health First Aider because in the same way our physical health can sometimes be unwell, so can our mental health. Life isn’t always about making sure you have everything altogether. Sometimes all you need is someone who genuinely cares about you and is there to help you find your smile.

Why do you think it is important to raise awareness of mental health issues?

Talking about mental health increases awareness, education, and support, whilst decreasing the stigma associated with mental health.

What would happen if someone came to you for support, and how would you prefer to be contacted? 

Please give me a call on 07715 633717 or contact me via email on s.hobson@hud.ac.uk – I'd be happy to meet with you or just talk things through on the phone. I'm a great listener and can offer a good cuppa and hug if needed

Linda Bedford - MHFA

 

Why did you volunteer to become a Mental Health First Aider?

I have always been interested in the subject of Mental Health, to the point of, I completed a Counselling course, that I felt equipped me with tools to use, to help our students, my colleagues, and people that I come into contact with, be it at work or in my home environment.

I am very much a people person and feel that I am approachable, and I like to help.

 

Why do you think it is important to raise awareness of mental health issues?

I think it is very important.  We are complex creatures and need to know how to recognise when we think that people we come into contact with, are struggling in their day to day lives.  I feel that kindness to others goes a long way to let people know that I am someone that can be confided in and that I care.

 

What would happen if someone came to you for support, and how would you prefer to be contacted?

 

I would endeavour to make them feel comfortable and would say that I was happy to listen, this was a safe space and that they would not be judged.  I would go out of my way to do all that I could, as appropriate, to help them with their issues.  By email would be preferable, although dropping by the office would not be a problem, provided I was available to talk to them.

 

What kind of things do you recommend, to support positive mental health?

I would recommend seeking out someone that they trust to listen to them.  I would encourage a healthy lifestyle if possible, this would include eating healthily, going out into the fresh air to either walk, garden or sit quietly to collect their thoughts.  If I had seen someone about their issues, I would then have a follow up chat to see if they were ok? I would point them towards a number of resources that could help to boost their mental health, this would include self-help books.  If I was seeing someone regularly, I would put together an achievable action plan that would chart, hopefully positive progress.  I would go over and above if I could to help anyone who was having mental health issues.

Gareth Bates - MHFA

Why did you volunteer to become a Mental Health First Aider?

Throughout my career I have always been passionate about supporting individuals with Special Education Needs as well as those with Mental Health Difficulties. I am always willing to help support people in need and I have developed skills over my career which I feel support me to do this effectively.

 

Why do you think it is important to raise awareness of mental health issues?

I think its very important that we make more people aware of mental health and the impact it has on our lives. We need to continue to educate and support people in achieving good mental health by showing the benefits as well as making the connections with physical health.

 

What would happen if someone came to you for support, and how would you prefer to be contacted? 

I would start by offering a space in my office so that we could discuss the situation and try to find the underlying issues that may be present. I would then work with the individual to identify the possible next steps as well as signposting any support services.

I don’t mind how I am contacted, if someone needs support and I am available I am happy to help.

 

What kind of things do you recommend, to support positive mental health?

• Exercise regularly
• Balanced/healthy diet – reduction in fast foods
• Contact with friends/family or support group/club
• Hydration
• Hobbies/interests
• Mindfulness/meditation/reflection time

Lindsey Brooks - MHFA

Why did you volunteer to become a Mental Health First Aider?

I found that more and more students were speaking to me about mental health in a casual way and I wanted to be able to support them properly during those conversations.

 

Why do you think it is important to raise awareness of mental health issues?

Mental health is just as important as physical health and should be treated as such! Mental health issues are on the rise and can be easily overlooked so it’s really important that people are aware of what mental health issues can look like, and how to get support for them.

 

What would happen if someone came to you for support, and how would you prefer to be contacted? 

If someone came to me for support, I’d listen to them, get them to talk about the issues that are bothering them, make sure they are safe and okay. I’d also help them find other potential sources of support, depending on the issue. I’m best contacted over Teams message, or email. If it is urgent, Teams message is best (though I will follow up with an email for the sake of record keeping). I’m not on campus regularly so always happy to do a Teams call.

 

What kind of things do you recommend, to support positive mental health?

Self-care is huge for positive mental health, but this can look different for everyone. I’d recommend finding out what works for you and building it into some kind of routine, so that it’s automatic in your daily life! I personally love things like embroidery, crochet, cooking, and listening to podcasts/audiobooks.

Natasha Reed - MHFA

Why did you volunteer to become a Mental Health First Aider?

I know how hard it can be when facing a difficult time and feeling alone.  I am often the person people turn to, maybe due to my role, but I wanted to feel confident and informed as to how best to help people.

Why do you think it is important to raise awareness of mental health issues?

There is still a stigma attached to admitting needing help with your mental health (even though there shouldn’t be) and I want people to be able to talk freely about it so they can get the best help they can.

What would happen if someone came to you for support, and how would you prefer to be contacted? 

I operate an open door policy anyway so if I am free I am more than happy to help especially in crisis.  Generally though, it would be great to email or Teams first to make sure I have enough of a slot to give the best support

What kind of things do you recommend, to support positive mental health?

I love yoga and running and these help me with the headspace I need.  Anything that allows you time to breathe and just get it all back in perspective.  You haven’t got enough energy to help others without looking after yourself. 

Jemma Broomhead - MHFA

Why did you volunteer to become a Mental Health First Aider?

I deal with students who have mental health issues in my role on a day-to-day basis, so seemed like the natural way forward, becoming a Mental Health First Aider will help, I enjoy supporting others.

 

Why do you think it is important to raise awareness of mental health issues?

The more everyone is aware of mental health conditions and issues then the less stigma there will be in society, it needs to become part of everyday conversation, as 1 in 4 of us suffer with poor mental health each year.

 

What would happen if someone came to you for support, and how would you prefer to be contacted? 

I would give the individual space to talk, I would listen, help them to feel heard in a non-judgemental way.  I am happy to be contacted either via email, teams or in person in the office.

 

What kind of things do you recommend, to support positive mental health?

Self care, including eating & sleeping well, doing something for you each day that you enjoy whether this is exercise or being creative!