Supporting our clients: Mental Health First Aid training
Recently two Boaz team members attended Mental Health First Aid training organised by NACCOM. This is how they got on.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches people how to identify, understand and help somebody who may be experiencing a mental health issue. The programme is working towards a vision where mental health is accepted as a normal part of life and where people are equipped with the skills to look after their own and other people’s wellbeing.
We saw this training as a really good opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and confidence in how to best assist our clients who may develop a mental health issue, or experience a mental health crisis.
Completing the MHFA course with other NACCOM members, who are doing similar work to Boaz, was very helpful. We all shared an understanding of the impact the asylum system and destitution has on people, and an awareness of some of the cultural sensitivities when approaching conversations about mental health. The sessions provided opportunity for group discussions, where we could share personal experiences and learn from one another.
Having confidence in how to approach conversations about mental health and assist anyone experiencing mental ill health is really important in the work we do: both to support the positive wellbeing of our clients and to tackle stigma. At Boaz we want to help our clients to thrive. And a big part of this is about building a trusting relationship with people, encouraging these conversations, making people aware of what support is out there, and empowering them to access this.
We’re really thankful to have had the opportunity to join the MHFA training, and feel like it will help build on the support we offer.