A major strand of the union’s Mental Health strategy is to run Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) regional courses.

The first courses to be held in the North West took place last month in Liverpool. The courses were set up and run by Jay McGovern, Area Health & Safety Officer and the Region’s MHFA Instructor. Jay also sits on the Region’s Mental Health Network.

Representatives from across the region attended the two day courses held at the at the Greater Mersey branch office. 

This two-day course qualifies you as a Mental Health First Aider, giving you:

• An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing
• Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
• Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
• Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening

The course looks at mental health, what it means and challenges some widely held misconceptions. It also considers support and sign-posting to specialised help for a wide range of common mental health issues.

On completion of the course, participants will gain a certified qualification as a Mental Health First Aider.

We will be looking to run more courses over the year and if your branch is interested in setting up a course, please contact Maxine Todd (Course Administrator) at mtodd@cwu.org

If you want more info on the course or any help setting one up, please contact Jay jamiemc@cwumerseyamal.org.uk

All applications must be authorised by the applicants’ Branch Secretary.