At least one million volunteers will be taught, free of charge, how to provide emergency medical care and attention to those suffering from a mental health issue. As part of a new innovative Government programme, volunteers will be professionally trained on how prevent further distress to those suffering from a mental illness.

Mental health, often considered a taboo in society, is finally being shown the respect and attention it deserves. Unlike a regular injury or medical emergency which can be examined, analysed and treated, a mental illness is often hidden behind a patient’s smile and difficult to diagnose and treat, especially when it comes to first aid. The main problem when it comes to mental health is the stigma attached to it, which prevents those suffering from reaching out for help when they’re most at need. The build-up of distress can have more serious consequences and so the early signs must be noticed and quickly addressed to prevent further harm to the patient.

Whether it is an eating disorder, depression, anxiety or a more serious mental health condition such as Psychosis, understanding how to treat a patient in a medical emergency will take training and awareness of the tell-tale signs. This is where the new government incentive comes into play. The new mental health first aid training program which will begin in autumn 2017, will ask members of the public to sign up and register their interest in being trained. Hosted by the MHFA, an international public health programme, volunteers will be taught how to recognise human distress and provide mental health first aid. Based on the theory of, assess the risk, listen non-judgmentally, offer reassurance and information, encourage professional help and encourage informal support, the programme hopes to protect vulnerable members of the community who are unlikely to seek medical help or support themselves, the training will be available in schools, universities, the armed forces and the police.

As the NHS is stretched when it comes to resources and staff, the new initiative aims to inform and educate the public on how to effectively help those suffering with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and other mental health related illnesses before seeking further professional help. Ministers are said to have invested around £15 million into the program which is part of a wider campaign to update the NHS mental health services.

CE Safety offer first aid training courses to UK individuals, corporations and businesses to promote employee welfare and health. For more information please visit www.cesafety.co.uk