ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (MHFA)

For most of us adults, going to work is something we do on a daily basis without much difficulties. For some it's an exciting, pleasurable time and place, where you spend 9 hours of your day with colleagues, friends and interesting people, for others though, it's just a means to an end. 

Imagine however, if going to work is a daily struggle or suddenly becomes one, because you suffer from a mental health illness e.g. eating disorder, such as anorexia, or bulimia, or suffer from depression or schizophrenia or, experience a psychotic episode e.g. suicidal, schizophrenic, depression or anxiety attack?

Would your Line Manager or your HR department know how to help you or have a safety net set up and can provide professional aid? Are support helplines mentioned in companies' handbooks and health and safety policies?

ALGEE

ALGEE is an Action Plan that all Line Managers and HR professionals should be familiar with.

A - Approach, Assess for crisis, Assist with crisis

L - Listen and communicate non-judgementally

G - Give support and information

E - Encourage appropriate professional help

E - Encourage other supports

Ideally all companies should have an intervention and support system in place in case, someone experiences anxiety issues or suffers from depression. It should become Best Practice, that all Line Manager and HR professionals visit an Adult Mental Health First Aid course.

Helplines (a selection)

Samaritans

116 123 (24/7 freephone)

NHS

999 (emergency or nearest A&E department)

111

Professional health advice 24/7

SaneLIne

0300 304 7000 (provides out of hours mental health and emotional support and information)

Helpful Apps (a selection)

Headspace - Stay Alive - Find Help Now - Worried About Someone - Myths About Suicide - About Stay Alive

For more information, please download the 
MHFA Line Manager Resource guide