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Talk to us: campaign raises awareness of suicide support

Talk to Us is an annual awareness campaign run by the Samaritans throughout July.

Talk to Us is a national awareness campaign held each July by the SamaritansSamaritans Awareness Day falls on the 24th July (24/7) each year to highlight the fact that the national charity helpline is there to listen to people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the year.

The Talk to Us campaign runs throughout the month of July in conjunction with the awareness day. It aims to remind the public that the Samaritans are available for anyone who needs someone to speak to.

Talk to Us sees local events held at Samaritans branches throughout the UK and Ireland each year. The key message is that the charity is there to help anyone who is struggling to cope, at any time of the day or night.

It follows Mental Health Awareness Week, which was held in May, and Stress Awareness Month in April.

Talk to us and join the call for ‘ambitious action’ on suicide

Anyone struggling is reminded by the Talk to Us campaign that they can contact the Samaritans at any time from any phonePeople can join in the conversation and help raise awareness by posting on social media with the hashtag #TalkToUs or #SamaritansAwarenessDay. The Samaritans also have downloadable social media assets and printed materials, such as leaflets and posters.

Importantly, it should be remembered that anyone who is struggling can contact the Samaritans at any time, from any phone, by calling 116 123.

In addition to July’s Talk to Us campaign, Samaritans are also calling on the government to take “ambitious action” for suicide prevention in England.

The Saving Lives Can’t Wait campaign is petitioning the government, specifically the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, to protect vital community funding for suicide prevention and “take the ambitious action needed to drive suicide rates down to the lowest ever recorded.”

The charity cites the fact that suicide rates in England are as high now as they were two decades ago; revealing that no progress has been made.

They say this is unacceptable and that: “Suicide prevention funding that local communities in England rely on is ending at the same time as the Government is promising a bold new national strategy to save lives from being lost to suicide. This just doesn’t add up.”

The charity’s CEO, Julie Bentley, says:

“Saving lives can’t wait and I am pleased that the Government has listened to Samaritans’ calls for a dedicated suicide prevention strategy, but it will be totally meaningless without funding to back it up. So far there is no sign of the money needed to drive suicide rates down to their lowest level ever, which simply must be the goal.”

The Samaritans are calling on the government to:

  • Aim to achieve the lowest national suicide rate ever recorded
  • Ensure all government departments take responsibility for the impact they may have on suicide risk
  • Provide proper funding for all local and national suicide prevention activity
  • Address the impact of economic inequality in suicide
  • Work closely with local government

Awareness campaigns help save lives

Samaritans runs an awareness campaign to help men in rural areas affected by mental health issues and suicideThe Samaritans carry out a lot of work to influence local and national suicide prevention strategies, working with governments across the UK and Ireland. They also run a number of other campaigns, such as their Small Talk Saves Lives and Real People, Real Stories campaigns.

Small Talk Saves Lives was launched in 2017 in partnership with Network Rail, the British Transport Police and the wider rail industry. It has raised awareness about the risk of suicide within railway stations and other public settings and the need for members of the public to trust their instincts and try to start a simple conversation with someone if they think they may need help.

Real People, Real Stories is supported by the NFU Mutual Charity Trust and the Scottish Government and aims to encourage men in rural communities who are struggling to cope to seek much-needed help and support.

The charity says that men in rural areas:

  • Are less likely to reach out for support if they’re struggling
  • Report that stigma around mental health is the biggest barrier to them seeking help
  • Say that not knowing who to turn to is another major barrier

The campaign features real-life stories from men who have struggled with their mental health and thoughts of suicide.

Jim McLaren MBE, a farmer and the Chairman of NFU Mutual says that recent years have been “changeable and challenging for the rural community,” and added that it was “vital that we encourage farmers and men in particular to seek help if they require it.”

Talk to Us – and seek training in mental health and suicide

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food safety, mental health, health and social care and more.

Mental health and suicide awareness training can be vital for many peopleAn accredited Mindful Employer themselves, FRT’s specialist mental health training courses include Understanding Mental Health, Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace, Managing Stress, Anxiety and Phobias Awareness, Self-Harm Awareness and Suicide Awareness.

They can also provide qualified, approved trainers to deliver accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training courses, including the Adult, Youth and Lite versions.

A trainer from FRT says:

“Figures show that suicide was the cause of 6,319 deaths in Britain in 2021. This equates to more than 120 people every week, and suicide is three times more common among men than women, with this gap between the genders widening over time.

“Although suicide rates have fallen by just over a quarter (28%) since 1981, the majority of this fall happened before the year 2000, while deaths spiked upwards in 2021, with a higher suicide rate recorded that year than in 2005-2012 or 2016-2017.

“All this serves to underline the importance of the work the Samaritans do to support people, raise awareness and campaign for more help and funding.

“Training in mental health awareness, and specifically in Suicide Awareness and prevention can be a really important step for individuals to empower themselves to offer critical help and support when it is needed most for loved ones, colleagues or even members of the public.”

A brief summary of our mental health training can now be downloaded as an infographic.

You can also download our free Guide to Mental Health Training from our website.

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

Further support for mental health concerns

Child Safety Week makes safety simple

It’s Child Safety Week in the UK and the theme for this year is Safety Made Simple.

Child Safety Week in the UK focuses on safety made simpleThe annual community education campaign, which takes place from 5th-11th June this year, is run by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) in a bid to spark safety conversations and build families’ knowledge and awareness regarding child safety risks.

The theme for this year is Safety Made Simple.

The UK charity says that any approach to accident prevention needs to be simple, as accidents usually occur when there is a lot going on.

Simple changes for child safety

Child safety week is designed to help families address common risks to safety and prevent accidentsThat’s why, this year, they are focusing on providing parents with simple changes to stop the most serious accidents and are giving practitioners simple ways to get involved with activities, even when facing increased pressures.

The CAPT’s mission is to ensure all children “have the freedom to grow and learn, safe from serious harm.”

Their Parent Pack outlines simple changes and tips for everything from preventing falls, burns and poisoning to fire safety and safety around dogs, roads and water.

Meanwhile, they also provide a range of free educational resources for practitioners and have a dedicated Child Safety Week 2023 information pack available to download from their website. Resources available include factsheets, printed resources, session plans, activity sheets, videos, display materials and a social media pack.

The charity wants to reach as many families as possible with their key safety advice and is encouraging people to connect with them on social media and share their important safety posts to help extend their reach, using the hashtag #ChildSafetyWeek.

Key child safety messages

Some of the charity’s key safety messages include:

  • Blind Cords – If a toddler gets a blind cord caught around their neck, they can lose consciousness in just 15 seconds and could die in just 2 or 3 minutes. Blind cords should be fitted with a cleat hook or tensioner to keep cords and chains safely away. Consider using cord free blinds in children’s rooms, move bedroom furniture away from cords and chains, as children may climb, and make sure the cords on the back of roman blinds are connected using a device that breaks under pressure.
  • Button Batteries – If a small child swallows a button battery – particularly big, powerful lithium coin cell batteries – it can become stuck in their food pipe and burn through to the main artery, very quickly causing serious harm or even death. Children aged 6 months to 4.5 years are most at risk. Check your home for button batteries and keep products containing them wellTips for child safety include advice about children's safety around dogs

    out of a child’s reach if the battery compartment isn’t secured. Spare batteries should also be stored well out of reach and flat batteries safely disposed of as soon as possible – they can still hold enough charge to pose a danger to your child. The CAPT also advises parents to be wary of online marketplaces or local discount shops, as products sold by them may contain button batteries that your child can access easily. If you suspect your child has swallowed a battery, take them to A&E or call 999 for an ambulance immediately.

  • Dog Safety – Most families feel that their dog would never bite or attack a child, but its important to understand that any dog can bite if they feel they have no other option, and statistics shows that children are most likely to be bitten at home, by a familiar dog. Calm, happy dogs who receive plenty of exercise and mental activity, as well as having a safe space of their own for peace and quiet when they need it, are less likely to lash out. Teach children to be calm and kind with dogs and to avoid shouting, teasing or giving tight, restrictive cuddles. Children should also be taught about key times when it’s important to leave a dog alone, such as when they’re sleeping, eating or have a toy or something else they really like and may not want to share. Close supervision at all times is key; watch, listen and remain close when your child is with a dog. If you’re ever concerned by the way your dog behaves around your child, speak to your vet in the first instance.
  • Road Safety – Help your children learn road safety by modelling the correct behaviours yourself; ensure you always check for traffic and pay attention beforeParents can get key tips about getting children safe when out on the roads stepping into the road. You can teach children the Green Cross Code from age 5, but you may need to keep reminding them about road safety rules and should always closely supervise young children, encouraging them to hold your hand or use walking reins when you’re out and about. Make sure your child’s car seat is the appropriate one for their age, height and weight and for your make of car. Ensure children always wear a helmet when cycling and access cycle training for them if possible. Keep an eye on your own speed when driving and never use your mobile phone behind the wheel.

The CAPT is the only charity in the UK which is dedicated to preventing serious injury and death to children from avoidable accidents. They are striving for a safer world for all children.

They want to ensure that children are safe at home, on the roads and in the poorest families and communities, citing the following statistics:

  • Data from Public Health England (PHE) shows that children from the poorest families are 40% more likely to have a serious accident
  • PHE data also reveals that 80% of accidents involving children under the age of 5 happen at home, with one child each week being killed as a result of an accident in the home.
  • The Department for Transport says that 2,400 children are badly injured on roads each year.

Training solutions for those who work with children

Those who care for children must have the knowledge and skills to keep them safe and protected from harmFirst Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care, safeguarding and more.

They work with a large number of early years, schools and childcare providers, as well as colleges, youth groups and children’s services.

Their courses include Safeguarding Children, Health and Safety for Child Carers, Risk Assessment for Child Carers, Paediatric First Aid Training, and many more.

A trainer from FRT says:

“Small children can be into everything and it can take just a moment for them to do something unsafe or injure themselves. It’s essential that those who are responsible for their care are aware of the risks and the sensible safety measures to take to remove or significantly reduce those risks.

“Our common sense safety and first aid training for early years and childcarers ensure that those who work with children have the knowledge, skills and confidence to keep children safe and protected from harm, and that they can take the correct, effective steps if an accident does occur.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

Charity wants to get children’s mental health #OutInTheOpen

National charity YoungMinds is encouraging people to bring children’s mental health out into the open with a new step challenge for Spring.

YoungMinds #OutInTheOpen challenge aims to get people talking about mental health for children and young peopleThe charity’s #OutInTheOpen campaign challenges people to walk 310,000 steps in 31 days during May to raise money for children and young people’s mental health, and encourage open and honest conversations about mental health.

On their website, YoungMinds explains that it “takes courage to ask for help. But for many young people who do, the support they need just isn’t there.”

They are promoting the #OutInTheOpen challenge to raise vital funds to ensure that all children and young people get the mental health support they need, when they need it.

Mental health steps challenge accessible for all

Children and young people may be helped by the #OutInTheOpen steps challengeParticipants can sign up through Facebook or JustGiving and will receive a free YoungMinds t-shirt to wear as they complete the steps challenge. The charity is inviting people to join their Facebook community and meet other fundraisers as they complete their 310,000 steps and bring conversations about children’s mental health out into the open.

There is no registration deadline to take part in the #OutInTheOpen challenge, but it officially starts on 1st May 2023.

It is free to anyone who wants to sign up, but participants are encouraged to try and fundraise or to personally donate to YoungMinds.

YoungMinds advises that the 310,000 steps should be completed however is best for each individual’s physical ability, and that the step count can be spread across all 31 days in May, or completed over just two weeks, depending on your preferences and fitness levels. The charity encourages everyone to adapt the challenge to suit their own needs and goals, and welcomes people completing similar distances in wheelchairs or using mobility scooters, for example.

Participants in the #OutInTheOpen challenge can download a free step tracker and sponsor form from the YoungMinds website.

Supporting children and young people’s mental health

Five children in every classroom have mental health problemsYoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity supporting children and young people’s mental health. Their aim is to prevent children’s mental health reaching crisis point, and to ensure that they have services available to them when they speak out for help.

It is estimated that five children in every classroom in the UK has a mental health problem. YoungMinds says that a quarter of 17-year-old girls has self-harmed in the last year and that suicide remains the single biggest killer of boys and men.

Their mission is to ensure that no young person feels alone with their mental health, and they provide tools and advice to help children and young people support their mental health and wellbeing.

Stress awareness for children and young people

To mark Stress Awareness Month this April, they have provided tips, information and advice to help children and young people manage stress.

This includes the emotional and physical signs and symptoms of stress, such as:

  • Feeling irritable or impatient, overwhelmed, anxious, worried or depressed
  • Having trouble sleeping or feeling tired
  • Experiencing muscles aches, headaches or tension
  • Having difficulty breathing
  • Changes in weight
  • Changes to your menstrual cycle

YoungMinds also provides tips about helping to feel calm, a guide to self-care and advice about how to manage a stressful workload, whether its exam stress, university worries or coping with paid work.

The charity also provides more tips and advice on its social medial channels and you can also subscribe to their website for news and updates, including real-life stories.

Training to support children’s mental health

The charity challenge will help children and young people with mental health problemsFirst Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food safety, mental health, health and social care, safeguarding and more.

They work with a large number of early years and childcare providers, as well as schools, colleges, and children’s services.

Their courses include Understanding Mental Health, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Anxiety Awareness, Self-Harm Awareness and Suicide Awareness.

A trainer from FRT says:

“Many children across the UK are really struggling with their mental health, and they need advice, support and treatment as soon as possible. YoungMinds does great work and it’s really great to see a campaign like this, that everyone get involved in and which puts the spotlight on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

“It’s vitally important that we keep talking openly about mental health and that we take the time to have conversations with children to support their wellbeing and check in with them.

“It’s also really important for anyone who works closely with children and young people to have a good understanding of mental health and be able to spot the signs that someone may be struggling. They should also feel confident to offer appropriate early help and support. Focused training can help with this.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

Have a mental health conversation on Time to Talk Day

Thursday 2nd February 2023 is Time to Talk Day, aimed at encouraging the nation to make time for a conversation about mental health.

Mental health focus groups can start important conversations in workplacesThe national awareness day, which was first launched in 2014, is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in England, in partnership with the Co-op.

It is a UK-wide campaign, which is also supported by SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and See Me in Scotland, Inspire and Change Your Mind in Northern Ireland, and Time to Change in Wales.

They describe it as “a day for friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives.”

Community conversations about mental health

Talking about mental health can be easier if you're not face to faceThe charity partners aim to create supportive communities through conversations about mental health. Although starting these conversations may not be easy, talking can have a powerful impact; their research shows that open conversations in communities are key to supporting mental wellbeing across the nation.

Co-op have pledged to raise £8 million to help Mind, SAMH and Inspire to bring communities together to improve mental health. This money will help to support new services in over 50 local communities across the UK to support people’s mental wellbeing.

Time to Talk Day was originally conceived as part of the campaign Time to Change, which was launched by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness to help end mental health stigma and discrimination.

Statistics suggest that 1 in 4 adults will experience a mental health problem each year. This equates to around 15 million people. Talking openly about mental health helps to reduce the stigma surrounding it, so that these people feel empowered to seek help when they need it.

Get involved in Time to Talk Day

The Time to Talk Day website offers lots of ideas for ways in which people can participate and help spread awareness.

Individuals, schools, community groups and businesses can download a free resources pack including posters, social media images, conversation starters, bunting and more. The site also includes help and advice for organising events such as ‘lunch and learn’ sessions or simply sharing information on social media or making time to reach out to a friend.

How to start a mental health conversation

The site also includes some key advice for starting a conversation about mental wellbeing. Their tips include:

  1. Ask questions and listen – asking questions can give the person opportunity and encouragement to express how they’re feeling and can help you to understand their experiences better. Focus on asking open, non-judgmental questions, such as ‘how do you feel about that?’
  2. Think about the time and place – It can be easier to start a tricky conversation if you’re not sat face-to-face with the person. You could try starting a chat when you’re walking, cooking or sat in traffic.
  3. Don’t try and fix it – Talking can be a powerful tool to help someone who is experiencing poor mental wellbeing. They may not want advice and instead just want someone to listen. Recovery can be a complex and lengthy process and they may have already considered and adopted a number of strategies, so try to resist offering a quick fix ‘solution.’
  4. Treat them the same – Listen to the person, support them, but don’t treat them any differently. They are still the same person, and they want to know that you recognise that and that you can still do the same things you’ve always done together.
  5. Be patient – Although its important to try, they may simply not be ready to talk about what they’re going through, and that’s ok. They will know that they can come to you when they are ready to talk.

They also provide suggestions for ways of supporting someone if you are not able to get them talking, such as:

  • Finding something in your local community to get involved in together
  • Sending a text to let them know you’re thinking of them
  • Offering help with day-to-day tasks

While having conversations about mental health is a great thing, sometimes they can bring up sensitive and difficult subjects and feelings, and you may need to seek support. Mind offers advice about seeking help while Rethink Mental Illness can help you find support in your area.

Mental health support and training

Talking about mental health can be a powerful toolMental health learning and development solutions can also play a significant role in helping people to recognise risk factors and proactively support positive mental wellbeing across the UK.

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food safety, mental health, health and social care and more.

An accredited Mindful Employer themselves, FRT’s specialist mental health training courses include Understanding Mental Health, Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace, Managing Stress, Anxiety and Phobias Awareness, Self-Harm Awareness and Suicide Awareness.

They can also provide qualified, approved trainers to deliver accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training courses, including the Adult, Youth and Lite versions.

A trainer from FRT says:

“People have often avoided talking openly about their mental wellbeing, and any struggles they may be experiencing. How often do we tell people we’re ‘fine’ when it’s not really the full story, because we’re not sure if they want to know how we’re really feeling?

“This is why starting an open and honest conversation about mental health can be so vital; people need to know that someone cares and that they are free to talk about their experiences and worries.

“Talking can really be that first all-important step to getting much-needed help and support, and training can give people the confidence and knowledge to start those conversations, and keep them going.”

Resources to support wellbeing

A brief summary of our mental health training can now be downloaded as an infographic.

We also have a number of other free infographics available to download which provide simple tips for helping to manage your mental wellbeing. These include:

You can also download our free Guide to Mental Health Training from our website.

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

Third of UK adults feel anxious about their finances

There are worries about the state of the nation’s mental health after a recent survey found that more than one third (34%) of adults in the UK felt anxious due to financial worries.

The cost-of-living crisis is negatively impacting the mental health of adults in the UK as they feel anxious and stressed over money worriesThe survey, commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation, also found that 1 in 10 adults felt hopeless about their finances, while 3 in 10 reported feeling stressed.

The Foundation says the results are a “warning sign” of a significant rise in mental health problems across the UK amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Anxiety caused by cost-of-living crisis

The survey, conducted by Opinium in November 2022, questioned 3000 adults aged 18 and over and found that, during the previous month, 29% of respondents had experienced stress, 34% experienced anxiety and 10% felt hopeless because of their financial situation.

Many adults are anxious about being able to pay household bills

Looking ahead, two thirds (66%) of adults said they were most concerned about being able to heat their home.

In addition, over 60% were worried about not being able to pay general monthly household bills, and 71% were concerned about not being able to maintain their standard of living.

Half of respondents also admitted being at least a little concerned about not being able to afford to buy food during the next few months.

Among younger adults aged 18 to 34, this number jumped to 67%.

Charity calls for action

The Foundation has urged the government to take action, calling on them to protect people across the UK in the following ways:

  • Safeguarding financial benefits, so they rise with inflation
  • Increasing the capacity of debt services, food banks, community organisations and social security departments
  • Providing these services with staff training on addressing the trauma that claimants may have experienced
  • Maintaining and extending free or subsidised public transport to allow people to stay connected to friends and family

The Foundation says evidence shows that financial strain and poverty are key contributors to a decline in mental wellbeing and the development of conditions such as anxiety, stress and depression.

Their Chief Executive, Mark Rowland, explains:

“Our findings are a warning sign of the mental health consequences of the cost-of-living crisis. We must protect public services and benefits at this crucial time. If people are struggling to meet their essential needs for a warm home and enough healthy food for their families, we can expect a significant rise in mental health problems as the burden of financial strain continues to take its toll.”

Mental Health Foundation calls for action on cost of living crisis

He added: “[…] Preventing mental health problems is vital. Our mental health services are already stretched beyond capacity; we cannot sit on the sidelines and watch them collapse under ever-greater demand.”

In 2022, the Mental Health Foundation published research in partnership with the London School of Economics and Political Science which estimated that mental health problems cost the UK economy a staggering £118 billion every year.

The report revealed that much of this is preventable, and outlined cost-effective measures to prevent poor mental wellbeing.

Open letter on mental health and the cost-of-living crisis

Poverty can impact child mental health

In November, the Foundation wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about the cost-of-living crisis and mental health in the UK.

Describing it as a “shameful and unnecessary situation”, they highlighted the fact that poverty is the single biggest driver of poor mental health in children.

Signed by leading representatives from the Samaritans, Mental Health First Aid England, Mind and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, among others, the letter stated:

“[…] the first intervention to reduce mental ill health and prevent suicide is to ensure every household has the means to be safe and warm with enough to eat.”

Advice for managing mental health and money

As well as urging the government to take action, the Foundation has provided help and advice for people experiencing stress, anxiety or depression as a result of financial worries.

Guidance also includes signposting to a number of help and support services.

Advice for those who are feeling financial strain includes:

  • Get control of your finances – ensure you’re receiving any benefits you may be entitled to. You can speak to your local Council and Citizens Advice Bureau for help. You may be able to access emergency loans or grants, if needed. Try recording your income and outgoings to get a better perspective on your finances, and you could also try downloading a free budgeting app.
  • Help with housing, food and energy costs – Seek out community support and resources, such as foodbanks as well as school uniform banks, toy libraries and more. Local libraries often signpost community resources and provide free activities for families. Shelter can provide support for housing issues or homelessness, while the website Money Saving Expert provides lots of practical information and advice forDebts can impact mental health tackling rising energy costs.
  • Tackle your debts – the Foundation emphasises that banks and credit card companies will usually be able to make suitable repayment arrangements to help you manage your debts, while local councils have special arrangements to help with council tax payments. Contact services as soon as possible to get help with any money you owe. You can also contact the debt charity StepChange for expert advice and solutions.
  • Look after your health – Contact your GP, relevant charities or a counsellor if you are worried about your mental health. Many organisations can offer free or low-cost therapy services. You could also reach out to a friend, relative or colleague for support. If you are struggling with alcohol or drug use, or other potentially harmful behaviours as a method of coping with stress or anxiety, access free and confidential help and advice from relevant charities.
  • Eating on a budget – Find tips, advice, recipes and other resources for eating on a budget from the Association of UK Dieticians, many big supermarkets and the BBC Good Food website (search ‘Budget recipes People are feeling anxious and stressed about affording food amid cost of living crisisand advice’). If you are struggling to buy essential food items, contact the Trussell Trust for advice and information about your local food banks.
  • Get a good nights’ sleep – Try to create a good sleep routine by getting up and going to bed at the same times each day, and avoid afternoon naps. Try to close curtains at night and keep them open during the day to aid your body clock and avoid using technology, such as smartphones, before bed.
  • Limit your exposure to bad news – Try to be aware of your mood and feelings when you’re watching TV, listening to the radio or scrolling online, and if you start to experience negative feelings, such as anxiety, switch off and do something else.
  • Find time for yourself – Although this can be hard to do, regularly setting aside time to carry out positive or relaxing activities for yourself can be extremely beneficial for your wellbeing. You could try mindfulness exercises or take some time to reflect on positive elements of your day.

For more information, help and guidance, visit the Mental Health Foundation’s website.

Learning solutions for positive mental health

Mental health learning and development solutions can also play a significant role in helping people to recognise mental health risks and proactively support positive mental health and wellbeing across the UK.

Money worries and debt can impact mental health

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food safety, mental health, health and social care and more.

An accredited Mindful Employer themselves, FRT’s specialist mental health training courses include Understanding Mental Health, Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace, Managing Stress, Anxiety and Phobias Awareness, Self-Harm Awareness and Suicide Awareness.

They can also provide qualified, approved trainers to deliver accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training courses, including the Adult, Youth and Lite versions.

A trainer from FRT says:

“In the depths of winter, during a cost-of-living crisis and following a year of political upheaval, it’s more important than ever that we all work hard to prioritise our mental health and wellbeing.

“There are simple steps we can all take to proactively support and promote positive mental health and it’s important that people are aware of these and that we are focusing on preventative strategies as well as treatment and recovery for those that need it.

“Our mental health courses look at ways of supporting mental health, including tools such as Mind’s five ways to wellbeing, and explore techniques to build emotional resilience.

“Businesses and organisations across the UK can experience immense benefits if they provide relevant mental health training for their staff.”

Resources to support wellbeing

A brief summary of our mental health training can now be downloaded as an infographic.

We also have a number of free infographics available to download which provide simple tips for helping to manage your mental wellbeing. These include:

You can also download our free Guide to Mental Health Training from our website.

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

Childline raises concerns over mental health of children

Childline has raised concerns about the mental health of children and young people after delivering over 50,000 counselling sessions since the first peak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Training can help raise awareness of anxietyThe NSPCC’s confidential charity helpline delivered 54,926 counselling sessions to children and young people between April and December 2020.

This represents a 16% increase in the average number of mental health counselling sessions delivered to children aged 11 and under and a 10% increase in counselling sessions about loneliness across all age groups.

Childline has called for more volunteers to join the helpline and help to support children and young people as the pandemic continues.

It reports that children contacting its service frequently talked about experiencing loneliness, low mood and self-esteem, depression and anxiety, signifying the devastating impact the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdowns has had on the mental health of young people.

Some children spoke of feeling isolated or overwhelmed due to fears about family members contracting the virus, school closures or cancelled exams.

Others said they felt cut off from their support networks and were missing family and friends.

Dame Esther Rantzen, who founded the helpline and is its president, said it was “absolutely imperative” that Childline is available for children who need it.

She commented: “Many young people, especially those in unsafe homes, are feeling desperately anxious and depressed. School can be the only safe haven they know, and without that support they feel entirely alone. For them, Childline is literally a life-line.

“But the service urgently needs more volunteers to listen to and support children, and more funds to pay for their calls and online contacts, and for that we depend upon the generosity and compassion of the public. It is the NSPCC’s mission to make 2021 a better year for children, and with your help we can make this dream a reality.”

You can learn about ways to help Childline and the NSPCC on their website.

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care, safeguarding and more.

They work with a large number of early years and childcare providers, as well as schools, colleges, and children’s services. Their courses include Safeguarding Children, Understanding Mental Health and Anxiety Awareness.

They can also provide accredited trainers to deliver Youth Mental Health First Aid training, certificated by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England.

A trainer from FRT says: “There are many hidden victims of the pandemic, and it is saddening that measures introduced to keep the nation safe and healthy may have contributed to children experiencing much higher levels of mental ill health.

“It’s so important that this issue is being discussed and that these children receive the help and support they need.

“Anyone who works with children and young people should complete appropriate mental health training so that they can spot the early warning signs of depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.