Stress linked to third of social care sick days

New research has found that just under a third of sickness absences among social care workers are linked to stress and poor wellbeing.

Social care workers experiencing high levels of stressData collated by the British Psychological Society (BPS) reveals that 30% of the 500,021 sick days taken by social workers were due to mental health issues such as stress and work-related anxiety.

Figures also show that, from April 2022 until the end of March this year, a total of 1.6 million working days were lost due to sickness among children’s and adult social care staff, across 114 local authorities. For more than three quarters of these councils, stress and other mental health problems were the most common cause for social care workers to be absent.

Leaders in care must invest in managing stress

The BPS warned that these high levels of staff absences came “against a backdrop of a debilitating recruitment and retention crisis, unmanageable workloads and soaring local authority spending on agency social care staff.”

They said that leaders in the health and social care sector “simply can’t afford not to invest in staff wellbeing if they wish to retain staff, recruit new talent, and provide the effective, safe services people deserve.”

They called for long-term funding for dedicated mental health and wellbeing support for health and social care staff.

NHS hubs to manage stress for care workers are closingIt comes as 15 of 42 NHS Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs have closed following the end of government funding in March. The hubs provided mental health support for health and social care staff, and the BPS are currently campaigning to save them.

The BPS’ findings of high levels of stress within the workforce were supported by the British Association of Social Workers’ annual survey.

The survey reported that three quarters (74%) of social workers struggled to finish all their work within their contracted hours and that they were worried about a lack of funding and staff recruitment and retention issues.

Although the majority (61%) said they were happy in their role, most had seen their caseload increase and reported that the high demands of the job were being made worse by the cost-of-living-crisis.

Managing stress a must-have for care sector

Half of sickness absences among social workers are due to stress and poor wellbeingPositive measures for sustaining and promoting good mental health at work are a must-have for any sector zeroing in on issues such as recruitment, retention and developing a positive workplace culture; sectors such as adult social care.

Social workers and the adult social care workforce operate in an environment that can often be stressful and sometimes uncertain; care workers need to be able to adapt and change to meet the needs of a sector beset with challenges.

In addition, building and maintaining positive relationships with others is central to their role, as is dealing with a range of emotions and emotional situations. Staff need to be mentally healthy to deal with all of these requirements and continue to deliver safe, compassionate and dignified care.

There are many simple but significant ways in which leaders and managers in care can support their staff to maintain positive mental health at work. These include:

  • Creating a culture of openness where mental health issues are regularly discussed in an inclusive, non-judgmental way
  • Encouraging staff to be aware of their mental state, be mindful and ensure that they have a good work/life balance – that they regularly take their breaks and mainly work only within their contracted hours
  • Providing training in mental health so staff have a greater awareness and understanding and can offer help and support to each other
  • Sharing information, such as places to go for support and tips for managing mental health
  • Seeking advice and support for themselves – managers should ensure they’re well educated on mental health and would know how to identify a staff member who may be experiencing issues and how best to help them

Vital training in mental health

Care workers need help and support to deal with stress and safeguard their mental healthFirst Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safetyfirst aidfire safety, manual handling, food safetymental healthhealth and social care and more.

An accredited Mindful Employer themselves, FRT’s specialist mental health training courses include Understanding Mental HealthMental Health Awareness in the WorkplaceManaging StressAnxiety and Phobias AwarenessSelf-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:

“Health and social care workers do a vital but very difficult job, facing many challenges. They often work long hours and their roles can have an emotional impact.

“It’s important that everyone in the sector – at all levels – is aware of the risks of work-related mental health problems and that there is significant focus and an investment of time and money into supporting the mental health of care workers.”

Helpful resources

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 stress and anxiety. 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.

Further Guidance on Mental Health in the Workplace

Youth Mental Health Day focuses on building confidence

Youth Mental Health Day 2023 is focused on the theme #BeBrave, to help boost the courage and confidence of young people.

Youth Mental Health Day 2023 focuses on the theme of BeBraveTuesday 19th September 2023 is Youth Mental Health Day, an awareness campaign founded by teenage mental health charity stem4 in 2020 to improve understanding and increase discussion of mental health in young people.

The #BeBrave theme was chosen by stem4 this year to help give young people “the courage and confidence they need to achieve their goals and ambitions, and be the best version of themselves they can be.”

How will you #BeBrave this Youth Mental Health Day?

Young people are encouraged to build their confidence and courage to be the best version of themselves this Youth Mental Health DayTo mark Youth Mental Health Day, they are encouraging people to join in the conversation on social media and share the ways in which they are going to #BeBrave today to combat the stigma surrounding anxiety and mental health.

The charity says that, for young people, being brave can mean tackling difficult situations, building their social confidence by working on team tasks or having the courage to fail by trying something new.

Stem4 founded Youth Mental Health Day to engage young people in discussions about how they can support and improve their own mental health.

They cite the following statistics as highlighting the current scale of mental health problems among young people:

  • 1 in 6 5-16 year-olds have a diagnosable mental health disorder
  • 6 in 10 young people say they are experiencing mental health difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, eating disorders and self-harming behaviours
  • Nearly half of young people have experienced feelings of loneliness, isolation and feeling left out either all or most of the time within the past year
  • Only a third are able to access effective treatment

Youth Mental Health Day offers hope in difficult times

Youth Mental Health Day is designed to start conversations and offer hope in difficult timesYouth Mental Health Day started when the UK was in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic and stem4 says that this as well as ongoing issues like global warming, political conflict and the cost-of-living crisis have contributed to worsening mental health among children and young people.

They say that 40% of young people are experiencing mental health difficulties. Within this group, 7 in 10 are experiencing anxiety (71%) and low mood (67%).

Stem4 explains:

“Though times continue to be difficult, Youth Mental Health Day is here to provide hope and positivity.

“By getting young people engaged in discussions and activities about how to improve their mental health, YMHD goes beyond raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. It aims to tackle the heart of the issue by giving young people a voice and agency to take steps towards positive mental health.”

This year, you can share your own ideas of what bravery looks like, or what it means to you, using the hashtags #stem4YMHD and #BeBrave.

Stem4 also provides a range of free and downloadable resources to help young people, schools and colleges and all others to mark Youth Mental Health Day 2023 and access clinically-informed guidance on managing anxiety.

Today, the charity has been hosting an in-person event in Wimbledon, featuring the #BeBrave wall, where people can share what bravery means to them, participate in activities and access free mental health resources.

Vital mental health training and support

Training can help those who work with young people support their mental health and wellbeingFirst 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, universities and children’s services.

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

A trainer from FRT says:

“We know that young people are really struggling right now. Research suggests that more young people are expressing their mental health struggles through self-harming behaviours, at a time when they have been faced with isolation, loneliness, academic upheaval and other difficulties. This is extremely worrying.

“It’s vitally important that anyone who works closely with children and young people has an understanding of mental health, is able to spot the signs that someone may be struggling and can offer appropriate support. Focused training can help with this.”

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:

IOSH recommends suicide prevention strategies for the workplace

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has shared suicide prevention strategies which are relevant for the workplace.

IOSH has suggested a range of suicide prevention strategies that can be implemented in the workplaceThe world’s leading professional health and safety body spoke out as World Suicide Prevention Day was observed on 10th September. Organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, the annual initiative helps raise awareness of suicide as an important and, crucially, preventable, public health issue.

Data from the World Health Organisation reveals that more than 700,000 people die due to suicide each year.

Workplaces implement creative suicide prevention strategies

A mental health champion is one of IOSH's suggested suicide prevention strategies that employers can implementIOSH says that many suicide prevention strategies relate to the world of work.

They say that creative workplace initiatives, such as introducing barbers or hairdressers at work, have become a common way of enabling people to talk more openly about any issues they may be dealing with, including mental health problems.

IOSH’s Research Programme Lead (Occupational Health), Dr Karen Michell, says there are a number of other suicide prevention strategies that businesses can adopt, such as:

  • Changing the workplace culture to breakdown any stigma attached to mental health issues and encourage open discussion about mental health in the workplace
  • Asking colleagues if they are okay
  • Introducing training and awareness interventions to help lay workers, train line managers and employees identify the signs that someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings and offer them access to appropriate support services
  • Nominating a workplace mental health champion, who has the right knowledge and skills to be confidently approached for mental health support
  • Gaining understanding of high-risk work groups, such as construction workers, nurses, doctors, police officers and firefighters
  • Ensuring post-ideation intervention and follow-up support for any affected individuals
  • Managing key issues at work which may lead to mental health issues or suicide ideation, such as work-related stress and poor control over psychosocial stressors
  • Training staff members to become mental health first aiders at work

IOSH says that any of these suicide prevention strategies – and other measures – can and should be integrated into existing mental health strategies for the workplace.

Identifying warning signs key for suicide prevention

Support is a key part of suicide prevention strategiesThe professional body offers a range of useful resources for businesses and employers, such as Working well – guidance on promoting health and wellbeing at work, the Occupational health management in the workplace guide, Returning to work after common mental disorders and Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace (Mentor) research reports.

Dr Karen Michell also refers people to National Institute of Mental Health, who have identified serious warning signs that someone may be at risk of suicide. These include:

  • Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
  • Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Withdrawing from family, friends and colleagues
  • Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
  • Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
  • Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online
  • Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
  • Acting anxious or agitated

People are advised to take simple steps to help someone if they do notice any of these warning signs.

Heads Up and other mental health charities suggest starting a conversation with the person. This could mean asking directly about how they are feeling and expressing your concern. You can ask them if they are considering suicide, to help understand what they’re experiencing, and can ask them if you can contact someone who may be better able to help, such as a trained Mental Health First Aider in the workplace, or a crisis line.

However, in circumstances where you suspect someone may be at immediate risk, a long-running campaign from the Samaritans and Network Rail, Small Talk Saves Lives, also suggests starting a conversation about any mundane detail in order to interrupt the suicidal thoughts of a person in emotional crisis.

IOSH advises that workers who are struggling with mental health problems or suicidal thoughts can be referred to support services such as:

Mental health and suicide awareness training

Talking can help people who are struggling with suicidal ideationFirst Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safetyfirst aidfire safety, manual handling, food safetymental healthhealth and social care and more.

An accredited Mindful Employer themselves, FRT’s specialist mental health training courses include Understanding Mental HealthMental Health Awareness in the WorkplaceManaging StressAnxiety and Phobias AwarenessSelf-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:

“World Suicide Prevention Day is all about encouraging people across the globe to act as a beacon of light to those who are experiencing pain. It’s about raising awareness of simple strategies that can help to save lives from being lost to suicide.

“People are often scared to broach the subject of suicide, but we must start talking more openly if we are to drive down suicide rates and help those in need.

“It can all start in the workplace; this is where we spend a great deal of our time and so it has a significant impact on our mental health and wellbeing and our ability to seek support when we need it most.

“Having employees who are trained in mental health problems, able to spot the signs that someone may be struggling and know how to support them and where to refer them to for more help, is a really important step in improving mental health and reducing the risk of suicide.”

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:

IOSH says flexible working can boost health and safety

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has welcomed new regulations that support flexible working, saying it leads to “positive mental health and physical health.”

IOSH says new flexible working laws will help to boost worker mental and physical health and wellbeingThe world’s largest professional health and safety body says the benefits of flexible work patterns also include “healthier and more sustainable lives” for workers and “lower absenteeism or presenteeism” for companies.

IOSH spoke out after the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 received Royal Assent last month. The Act will enable workers to request flexible working patterns from day one of employment and will require employers to consider and discuss these requests within two months of them being made – down from three. Workers can also now log up to two requests per year.

It follows a consultation held by the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade last year, which IOSH responded to.

Flexible working can boost inclusivity and productivity

Flexible working can help to make the workforce more inclusiveIOSH believes that flexible work patterns should be made available to all employees in all industries from the first day they start a job.

They say this will help to boost inclusivity in the workforce and enable it to grow. They also believe it will improve staff morale and retention rates, as well as boosting productivity.

In IOSH’s consultation response, they said employers should have to provide “clear business reasons” for turning down flexible working requests and that reasonable alternatives should be explored when this happens.

IOSH also wants the legislative changes to incentivise employers to offer more than the minimum legal standard when it comes to flexible working.

The body does, however, acknowledge that there can never be a “one-size-fits-all” approach to implementing flexible work patterns. They say that organisations need to accommodate individual needs where possible and should be aware of, recognise the need for and benefits of, family and worker-friendly workplaces.

Flexible working associated with positive mental and physical health

IOSH’s Head of Policy, Ruth Wilkinson, said that, in order to develop a “flexible organisational culture” firms need to be responsible and adopt an approach “that values and supports people.”

She commented: “Enabling all workers to benefit from flexible working arrangements, where possible and appropriate, shouldn’t remain a pipe dream.”

Speaking of the wide-reaching benefits of flexible working arrangements, she added:

“Improvements in work-life balance, in the quality of working conditions, and increasing levels of independence and flexibility, facilitate workers to lead healthier and more sustainable lives. It can also lead to them experiencing greater job satisfaction and productivity, positive mental health and physical health and lower absenteeism or presenteeism.”

Ms Wilkinson also explained: “Aligning flexibility and protection practices need to be extended to different forms of atypical working time, to cover segments of the workforce working at night, on weekends, on shift work, or in other forms of on-call work including the platform economy and on-demand work.”

Training to boost inclusivity, health and welfare

Flexible working can have many benefits for employers and employeesFirst Response Training is a leading national training provider. They deliver a wide range of training in health, safety and welfare topics for all industry sectors.

Their portfolio includes training in topics such as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Understanding Mental Health, Managing Stress at Work, Managing Health and Safety and many more.

A trainer from FRT says:

“Flexible working patterns and other arrangements that help workers to achieve a better work-life balance can benefit businesses by boosting staff recruitment, retention, satisfaction and productivity. They can also significantly reduce working days lost due to staff absences or the phenomenon of ‘presenteeism’ where staff are physically present at work but not performing at their best due to life pressures or other issues.

“In this way, flexible working can really go hand-in-hand with managing health, safety and welfare at work.

“At FRT we have adopted a number of flexible working arrangements and offer flexible full and part-time contracts for trainers with a variety of hours available. We support employees to fulfil caring duties and other life demands while providing high quality training for our clients.”

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.

Pupil mental health and teacher welfare a key concern for parents

A new survey has found there are high levels of parental concern about pupil mental health and teacher welfare in Britain’s schools.

New Ipsos survey finds parental concerns for pupil mental health and teacher welfareThe Ipsos survey focused on attitudes to education in Britain and how well people rate the quality of the nation’s schools, colleges and universities. Over 2,200 British adults aged 18 or over were quizzed in May 2023, including 801 parents with children in education.

Published earlier this month, the findings highlight key areas of concern for the public and, specifically, parents.

Pupil mental health support a key concern

Nearly half of parents were concerned about pupil mental health and wellbeing and the lack of support availableAlthough, in general, respondents felt that schools were performing well overall, pupil mental health was the main concern for parents of school-aged children, with just under half (45%) saying they were worried about this.

Around 1 in 3 parents were concerned about their child’s social life and friendships, and a similar proportion had worries about their physical health.

The survey also identified widespread concerns about support for the wellbeing of school staff, and the need for greater provision for Special Education Needs (SEN).

When asked to rate the quality of British primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities, almost half of the public as a whole (49%) said they were very or fairly good. For those who were parents of children in education, this figure rose to 57%.

Staff welfare impacting school performance

The public and parents were also concerned about the wellbeing of school staffHowever, when asked to rate the quality of British schools in specific criteria, the public were less positive about how well they were addressing issues such as pupil mental health (27%) and staff wellbeing (24%).

Both pupil mental health and SEN provision topped the list of priorities the public wants the government to focus on in schools, with over a third (36%) mentioning these issues. Free school meals for all pupils and more teaching assistants to support teachers were also mentioned by more than 3 in 10 respondents (34% and 32% respectively).

Parents of school-aged children agreed that free school meals (37%), more teaching assistants (33%) and SEN and mental health provision (29%) were the top priorities.

The Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland, Kelly Beaver MBE, said it was “reassuring” that the general public and parents of children in education believe the quality of education in Britain is good, but cited “a number of areas of concern, including student mental health support and staff wellbeing.”

She added:

“With another round of teachers strikes due next month, it seems that staff welfare is an issue both teachers and the public agree on – an issue that will need to be addressed if the Government seek to improve public opinion of schooling overall.”

Support pupil mental health with training

Training can support school staff to protect pupil mental health and wellbeingFirst Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safetyfirst aidfire safetymanual handlingfood safetymental healthhealth and social caresafeguarding and more.

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

Their course portfolio includes a range of mental health-related training in key topics such as Understanding Mental Health, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Anxiety Awareness, Self-Harm Awareness and Suicide Awareness as well as training in SEND Awareness and Learning Disabilities Awareness.

A trainer from FRT says:

“Pupils and teachers have had a difficult few years following the Covid-19 pandemic, national lockdowns, missed exams and milestones and now the pressure to ‘catch up’ again.

“National charities and support groups have been telling us all for some time now that this has led to an increase in pupil mental health problems, and it’s also safe to assume that many teachers have experienced difficulties when it comes to their own mental health and wellbeing.

“It’s understandable, then, that both parents and the general public as a whole, wants the government to prioritise mental health support in schools. Training for school staff is one key way in which schools can boost the support available for all.”

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.

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 safetyfirst aidfire safety, manual handling, food safetymental healthhealth 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 HealthMental Health Awareness in the WorkplaceManaging StressAnxiety and Phobias AwarenessSelf-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.”

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

10% increase in children struggling with exam stress

Childline has reported a 10% increase in counselling sessions about exam stress since the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.

2000 children contacted childline with worries about exam stressThe confidential charity helpline for children said that almost 2,000 children contacted them to talk about exam stress last year as formal exams returned following the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.

Childline said that the impact of the pandemic, coupled with pressures from schools and families, was increasing exam stress among children and young people.

They have advised children and parents to ensure they are undertaking non-revision activities to support their mental health and wellbeing during this stressful time.

Pandemic has increased exam stress

Exam stress has increased following covid-19 disruptionAlmost half (44%) of the counselling sessions delivered regarding exam stress took place in April, May and June last year ahead of the GCSE and A Level examination periods.

Some students were worried about the disruptions they had suffered to their learning during the pandemic and how this has impacted their performance, and their ability to cope with exam stress. Lots of children were also struggling with their mental health, family expectations and a lack of motivation.

Childline is concerned that the trend will continue this year and are urging children not to suffer in silence.

The free helpline is available 24/7 on 0800 1111. Children and young people can also contact Childline through their website, online message boards and 1-2-1 chats at childline.org.uk.

Childline provides a range of advice and guidance about dealing with exam stress. This includes:

  • Talk to someone about how you’re feeling – this could be a friend, relative or a trained counsellor. Talking can help you to feel more in control or can help someone else to realise that they might be putting too much pressure on you.
  • Take regular break from revision. This can help your concentration and make you feel better able to cope. Plan your breaks, aiming to schedule 20-minute breaks each hour to do something fun, get outside or have a snack.
  • Maintain healthy habits while revising. This includes eating healthily, exercising, getting plenty of sleep and doing things that you enjoy. This can help to boost your overall health and wellbeing and make you better able to cope with any stress.
  • Practice positive thinking and try not to compete or compare yourself with other people.

Exam stress can impact mental health

The Director of Childline, Shaun Friel, said exams have always proved “stressful” for children but explained that, “for this current generation, the extra disruption can have a really negative impact.”

He continued:

“While some nervousness around exams is normal its worrying to hear from students that stress is impacting their mental health and contributing to negative thoughts and actions.

“Talking about worries is incredibly helpful and so Childline is available for every young person whenever they need it.

“We all have a role to support young people in this situation and as parents and carers we can make sure we are not putting too much pressure on children, encourage them to think positively and reassure them that, while exams are important, there are always options whatever the outcome.”

Training for those working with children and young people

Children feel exam stress as a result of family pressures as wellFirst Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safetyfirst aidfire safetymanual handlingfood safetymental healthhealth and social caresafeguarding 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:

“Exams can be a tricky time for children and young people, especially after the last couple of years where they might have missed some periods of school and maybe not undergone exams for a number of years.

“It’s important that anyone working with children and young people is aware of the pressures that they are under and is able to identify warning signs of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, that may arise from or be exacerbated by exam stress. Being able to offer appropriate early help and support is crucial.”

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.

Mental Health Awareness Week focuses on anxiety

Anxiety is the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which is observed from 15th to 21st May in the UK.

The theme for mental health awareness week 2023 is anxietyAnxiety is one of the most common mental health problems experienced by people. It can be sparked by worries such as exam pressures, relationship problems, starting a new job or losing one, or other major life events.

The Mental Health Foundation, which runs Mental Health Awareness Week, has chosen to focus on anxiety this year to raise awareness of the condition.

The charity explains that everyone can feel anxious from time to time, as anxiety is a natural response to uncertain times. Anxiety becomes an issue, however, when it becomes overwhelming and impacts your everyday life.

Mental Health Awareness Week vital as cost-of-living crisis bites

Anxiety disorder affects 5% of the populationA recent study conducted by the Mental Health Foundation found that more than a third of UK adults feel anxious about their financial situation amid the current cost-of-living crisis. Further, a quarter said that they felt so anxious about their personal finances that it had prevented them from doing the things they wanted to do, at least part of the time.

That’s why the charity has chosen to focus on anxiety for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week; they say it’s important that individuals can recognise when they feel anxious, and know how to respond effectively.

They say that anxiety can be made easier to manage, and that proactive strategies can also prevent anxious feelings from becoming a problem in the first place. But the Foundation also wants to prompt change and ensure that improving mental health and wellbeing becomes a key priority for the government and society as a whole.

Get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week comes amid lots of anxiety around he cost-of-living crisisAlexa Knight, Director of England at the Mental Health Foundation, says the theme was chosen “to kickstart a nationwide conversation, encouraging people to share their own experiences and any helpful ideas on how they manage anxiety.”

People can share their experiences and tips under the campaign hashtag #ToHelpMyAnxiety.

The Mental Health Foundation provides a wide range of resources on its website to enable everyone to get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week. These include a social media guide, logos, posters, a template press release and an anxiety booklet for schools.

You can also order a green ribbon, the international symbol of mental health awareness, make a donation or take part in Wear it Green Day 2023 events, which could include quizzes, bake sales or scavenger hunts.

The Mental Health Foundation will also be sharing blogs, films and other content throughout the week.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural human response to a perceived threat and is related to our innate fight, flight or freeze biological response. Anxiety sometimes leads us not to become professionals. Self-sabotage is a big probelem and la dépression peut générer l’autosabotage. To be able to cope, there’s a treatment that can correct this disorder.

Anxiety normally occurs when we encounter a stressful event or significant life change. It is what we experience when we feel worried, tense or afraid, particularly about things which are about to happen, or which we worry could happen in the future. It can affect us physically and mentally.

Physical signs of anxiety include:

  • Increased heartrate
  • Breathlessness
  • Trembling
  • Headaches
  • Chest pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Panic attacks

Psychological signs of anxiety may include:

  • Restlessness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Inability to fall asleep
  • Numbness
  • Irritability
  • Feeling tense or nervous
  • Being tearful
  • Finding it hard to relax

Mental Health Awareness Week aims to open up the national conversationWhen anxious feelings become strong, distressing, long-lasting or frequent, they may represent a mental health problem.

People who live with an anxiety disorder, such as generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), may experience difficulty maintaining a normal lifestyle, such as retaining a job, establishing or maintaining personal relationships and enjoying free time, relaxation and hobbies.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects up to 5% of the UK population. It is a long-term disorder which causes individuals to experience anxiety in relation to a wide range of issues and situations rather than one specific event.

How to manage anxiety

There are a number of simple things that we can all do to help us cope with anxiety and protect our overall mental health and wellbeing.

The Mental Health Foundation provides some key tips and advice for managing anxiety and says:

“Taking action to address specific causes of anxiety can also help – for example, contacting a money advisor, discussing workplace stress with your employers, or seeking support if you are experiencing bullying, harassment or discrimination.”

If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, and it is negatively impacting your everyday life, you should contact your GP for help and support in the first instance.

There are, however, a number of measures you can take yourself in the meantime to try to positively manage your anxiety. These include:

  • Talk about it – open up about what’s making you anxious or how anxiety affects you to someone you trust or a confidential helpline
  • Address your worries – set a specific time to focus on your worries and/or write them down in a specific place
  • Try breathing exercises
  • Keep a diary – this can be of your symptoms, your worries, triggers for panic attacks – OR, it could also be about acknowledging the positive things happening
  • Look for support groups, such as Anxiety UK
  • Explore alternative therapies
  • Try to get enough sleep
  • Eat regular, balanced meals to help maintain positive mood and energy levels
  • Avoid consuming too much caffeine or alcohol, and try not to smoke
  • Get regular physical activity
  • Get outside in the fresh air

If you experience panic attacks as a symptom of your anxiety, you may want to try the following tips from leading mental health charity Mind to help manage these:

  1. Breathe – concentrate on breathing deeply into your stomach and breathing out slowly
  2. Move – Mind suggests that stamping on the spot can help some people to control their breathing
  3. Reassure – remind yourself that you are safe. The panic attack has been caused by anxiety, and is not dangerous. It will pass
  4. Focus – switch your focus to small sensory details you find comforting or interesting. Mind suggests you could taste mints, touch something soft or listen to calming music
  5. Talk – confide in someone you trust about your panic attacks and/or join a support group
  6. Record – note down what happens when you feel anxious, to help spot your triggers, and also make a record of coping strategies that work for you

Supporting others with anxiety

If someone close to you is struggling with anxiety, you may feel powerless, but there are positive things you can to do to help and support them. These include:

DO:

  • Try to understand – research anxiety and ask about how they’re feeling
  • Ask what you can do to help
  • Offer them support with seeking help
  • Remember to focus on looking after yourself

DON’T:

  • Put pressure on them! Do not force them to seek help or confront situations before they’re ready to
  • Assume their experience of anxiety is the same as someone else’s

If you are with someone when they experience a panic attack, you can help them to manage the attack in the following ways:

  • Remain calm
  • Reassure them you’re there for them, and that they’re ok
  • Encourage them to focus on breathing in deeply and out slowly – it may help to count out loud as they breathe
  • Suggest they stamp their feet on the spot
  • Encourage them to sit down somewhere quiet until they have recovered

Calls to tackle root causes of anxiety

There are calls to tackle the root causes of anxiety in society, such as the cost of living crisisAlthough there are lots of positive strategies that people can utilise to try to manage their anxiety and look after their mental health, the Mental Health Foundation emphasises the fact that “much of what may trigger anxiety is not within our control.”

The Foundation will be speaking to politicians and decision-makers throughout Mental Health Awareness Week about measures they can implement to support the nation’s mental health and wellbeing.

Causes of anxiety can be many and complex, but the charity says that financial worries, social isolation, social pressures and discrimination can all play a significant role.

They are calling on local and national politicians to consider measures such as income support, the provision of good quality housing, strong legislation to prevent bullying, harassment and discrimination, and providing communities with the services and facilities they need to live well and support positive mental health.

Consider training this Mental Health Awareness Week

Training can help improve understanding of mental healthFirst Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safetyfirst aidfire safety, manual handling, food safetymental healthhealth and social care and more.

An accredited Mindful Employer themselves, FRT’s specialist mental health training courses include Understanding Mental HealthMental Health Awareness in the WorkplaceManaging StressAnxiety and Phobias AwarenessSelf-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:

“Most people feel anxious at some point in their life, and so it is probably one of the mental health problems that people are most able to relate to. It affects a great many people, including increasing numbers of children, especially post-pandemic.

“It’s really important that we all have an understanding of mental health problems and an awareness of conditions such as anxiety, and that we are familiar with effective support strategies for helping others and managing our own anxiety and safeguarding our wellbeing.

“Our Anxiety Awareness training provides learners with an understanding of a range of specific anxiety disorders, how they can be managed and treated, and how to offer support to someone dealing with anxiety.”

Helpful resources

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 anxiety and panic attacks. 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.

Further support for anxiety and other mental health concerns

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 safetyfirst aidfire safetymanual handlingfood safetymental healthhealth and social caresafeguarding 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.

HSE refreshes guidance on work-related violence and aggression

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued updated guidance to help employers protect their staff from work-related violence and aggression.

HSE has provided updated guidance about work-related violence and aggression

Britain’s health and safety watchdog has refreshed the guidance as reported incidents of work-related violence and aggression have risen in recent years – numbering 688,000 in 2019-20.

They say that experiencing violence and aggression at work can have a serious impact on someone’s physical and mental health.

Health and safety laws cover work-related violence and aggression

Workplace health and safety laws apply to the risks posed by violence and aggression at work. This means that employers have a legal duty to assess the risk of violence in their workplace and to remove or reduce these risks so far as is ‘reasonably practicable.’

Those working in health and social care often experience violence and aggression at work

To be termed as work-related, violence and aggression must be in connection with a work activity. This could include violence from members of the public, customers, clients, patients, people receiving care and support, or students towards someone while they are doing their job.

The updated guidance covers which pieces of legislation relate to violence and aggression at work, how to assess the risks, suitable control measures and reporting on – and learning from – incidents.

Updates also serve to remind employers that the HSE’s definition of violence at work includes aggression, such as verbal abuse or threats, and that this could take place face-to-face, online or over the telephone.

Steps to prevent work-related violence and aggression

Things like queues could cause tensions to riseThe HSE has taken steps to remove outdated content from its guidance regarding violence and aggression at work and replace it with up-to-date practical guidance. This includes examples of ways to prevent work-related violence for different industries, such as retail, education, social care and transport.

The guidance also includes general control measures that employers may need to consider to help prevent violence and aggression at work. This includes:

  • Ensuring good visibility throughout the workplace, with adequate lighting to prevent blind spots and ensure workers and others can be seen
  • Identifying places where tension could develop, such as by implementing a suitable queuing system where appropriate
  • Installing security measures like CCTV, trained security personnel, body-worn cameras, alarm systems and building security
  • Displaying signs that remind people to treat each other with respect, and that any abuse to workers will not be tolerated
  • Ensuring good communication between employers and workers
  • Working closely with others, such as the police, local authorities and local community groups
  • Raising awareness with the public to target specific forms of violence
  • Considering how workers engage with the public and what elements of their work might trigger people to act aggressively. This could mean proactively managing customer expectations with clear information about issues such as delays
  • Effectively managing lone working by making arrangements to keep in touch with people who work away from their base, for example using mobile phones and personal alarms
  • Ensuring that you maintain adequate staffing levels to enable you to manage violence and respond quickly to any incidents

The HSE provides advice and guidance about de-escalation techniques that could be utilised to try to prevent work-related violence and aggression.

Training is key to preventing work-related violence and aggression

Training is key for managing work-related violence and aggressionThe watchdog also identifies training as a key control measure to prevent and manage violence and aggression at work.

The HSE says that training “can provide workers with appropriate skills to reduce or diffuse potential incidents,” and that it should be available to everyone who may be at risk, including cleaners and maintenance workers and temporary or agency staff.

Workers should be trained at a level which is appropriate to the needs of their work activities.

The watchdog says basic training about managing violence and aggression could include:

  • Identifying underlying and immediate causes
  • Understanding that violence and aggression should not simply be accepted as part of the job
  • Recognising warning signs, such as body language
  • Relevant interpersonal skills, such as verbal and non-verbal communication skills
  • Details of working practices and suitable control measures
  • Procedures for reporting incidents

Where workers face a significant risk of physical violence at work, they may need additional training in skills such as physical intervention techniques.

Employers should ensure they are regularly holding refresher training to ensure workers’ skills remain up to date, and that they regularly review their training needs and evaluate training courses for effectiveness.

Support and guidance for workers

Workers need support with the physical and mental effects of work-related violence and aggression

The HSE also provides specific guidance on how employers can support their workers after a violent incident – this includes those who are directly involved and any witnesses. The support provided should address the emotional and physical impact of the incident and help workers deal with any resulting stress and mental health conditions.

Workers can also access separate advice and guidance about preventing violence and aggression at work and how they should raise any concerns.

The HSE also ensures that employers and workers can easily access legal advice from other sources and useful information about stress and mental health at work.

The HSE’s Working Minds campaign focuses on preventing work-related stress, depression and anxiety and supporting positive mental health in the workplace.

Learning and development solutions

Violence at work can include verbal abuse, which could be over the phone or onlineFirst Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safetyfirst aidfire safety, food safetymental healthhealth and social care and more.

Their workplace health and safety training includes awards in Health and Safety, Conflict Resolution and Personal Safety, Managing and Assessing Risk, Lone Working and Accident and Incident Investigation.

They have previously worked with organisations to develop bespoke training for them in subjects as such Hostile Situations, Conflict Resolution and Personal Safety and De-escalation and Breakaway Techniques.

FRT can also provide specialist mental health training courses, such as Understanding Mental HealthMental Health Awareness in the WorkplaceManaging StressAnxiety and Phobias AwarenessSelf-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:

“No one should have to endure violence or aggression while carrying out their working activities. It’s vitally important that employers assess and address the risks of work-related violence and aggression for their workforce and that they are able to respond appropriately and effectively if any incidents of violence and aggression do 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.

HSE campaign tackles work-related stress

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched its Working Minds campaign to help employers and workers prevent work-related stress.

Work-related stress is a leading cause of workplace illness and absenceBritain’s health and safety watchdog is working with a number of partners, including IOSH, ACAS and Mind, to bring together a range of tools and support to help people tackle work-related stress and promote positive mental health.

They are also inviting businesses and organisations across Britain to become Working Minds Champions.

It comes during Stress Awareness Month, a campaign running throughout April which aims to encourage people to talk about and take action on stress.

Work-related stress costs employers billions

Work-related stress is on the increase

The HSE says that all employers have a legal duty to prevent work-related stress and support good mental health in the workplace.

Annual statistics published by the watchdog show that stress, anxiety and depression are the top causes of work-related illness in the UK, and that this is on the rise.

In fact, figures for 2021-22 show that 50% (914,000) of the 1.8 million cases of work-related illness were attributed to stress, depression and anxiety. These problems also accounted for over 50% of all working days lost in the UK that year – equating to 17 million.

Deloitte estimates that poor mental health at work now costs UK employers up to £56 billion each year, with the total annual cost having increased by 25% since 2019.

Burnout has been on the rise since the pandemicIn their report, ‘Mental health and employers: The case for investment – pandemic and beyond’, Deloitte reveals that employers that invest in mental health support for their workforce see significant benefits. They recommend that organisations consider a wide range of tools, resources and interventions to address the needs of various demographic groups and help all employees stay healthy, feel supported and happy at work.

Deloitte explains that issues such as burnout, exhaustion, mental distance from the job, insecurities and uncertainty have all resulted in a rise in problems such as absenteeism, presenteeism and labour turnover.

They cite presenteeism – the concept of being present at work while not being physically or mentally fit, and therefore less productive – as the biggest problem facing businesses but say that turnover has emerged as a growing issue.

Their report reveals that over a quarter (28%) of UK workers either intentionally left their job during the past 12 months or are planning to leave it in the next 12 months. Further, almost 40% of total turnover costs can be attributed to mental health problems.

Take a proactive approach to work-related stress

Employers can see real benefits from promoting wellbeing at workThat’s why initiatives such as HSE’s Working Minds campaign are so important. It encompasses free resources such as posters, a podcast and an app.

There’s also advice and guidance for employers and different sectors, help for workers and information about supporting the campaign and becoming a Working Minds Champion.

Employers could see significant gains if they embrace the advice, tools and resources being made available by the HSE and work to implement a prevention-first approach to stress and poor mental health in the workplace. Deloitte’s research suggests that proactive interventions have better outcomes and a higher return on investment than reactive measures (5.0 compared to 3.4).

Training to understand and tackle mental health problems

Work-related stress costs employers billions every yearFirst Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safetyfirst aidfire safety, manual handling, food safetymental healthhealth and social care and more.

An accredited Mindful Employer themselves, FRT’s specialist mental health training courses include Understanding Mental HealthMental Health Awareness in the WorkplaceManaging StressAnxiety and Phobias AwarenessSelf-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:

“While stress is not recognised as a diagnosable mental health condition, it can lead to more serious mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, and can also have physiological effects.

“It’s important to recognise the severity of stress and to learn proactive and positive ways for managing, minimising and preventing stress, both in the workplace and in our personal lives.”

Helpful resources

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 and emotional wellbeing and proactively manage your stress levels. 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.

Take action this Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month, and this year the theme is all about taking action.

April is Stress Awareness Month

Spearheaded by the Stress Management Society, Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 in a bid to raise awareness of the causes, negative effects and effective treatments for stress.

Stress can be defined as the experience of physical, mental or emotional strain or tension. While, it is important to acknowledge that not all stress is bad for you, long-term stress can have a damaging effect on both your physical and mental health.

The Stress Management Society highlights the fact that stress is one of the biggest public health challenges faced by our society.

They explain that stress can cause problems such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, insomnia, digestive issues, immune system challenges and more.

Despite this, many people still do not take the issue of stress seriously enough.

Taking action for stress awareness

Talk about stressThat’s why, this year, the Stress Management Society has decided to move beyond its usual goal of opening up the conversation about stress and its effects to focus on taking action. They want people to go farther than talking and campaigning and, instead, take personal responsibility for creating a positive change.

They say: “We aim to create an opportunity for all of us to consider how we are going to do something to make things better.”

The society will be sharing a variety of free resources and information throughout April to empower and inspire people into action.

30-day Challenge for Stress Awareness

4th November 2020 is National Stress Awareness DayOne initiative launched by the group is ‘The 30-day Challenge.’ This encourages individuals to pick one action to carry out each day for their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

The reasoning behind this campaign is that it takes 30 days to turn actions into habits. It is hoped the 3-day challenge will help people to turn useful knowledge and techniques into positive and lasting behavioural changes that will help them to manage, minimise and prevent stress.

The Stress Management Society offers a number of valuable free resources, including the 30-Day Challenge, a Daily De-Stressing Planner, a Stress Guide, 7 Steps Achievement Plan, useful infographics on stress and other information.

Tackle stress year-round

Other ways in which people are encouraged to take part in Stress Awareness Month, and to help tackle stress year-round, include:

  • Talk about stress and its effects to help reduce the stigma associated with stress and poor mental health
  • Share coping mechanisms you have found useful which may benefit others
  • Be kind to those who are experiencing stress and anxiety
  • Look after yourself – take time to relax or do something you enjoy and try to eat well and remain active even when you are feeling particularly stressed
  • Learn how to say no to requests that are too much for you and will lead to you becoming overwhelmed and unwell

The Stress Management Society also provides a free tool where you can check your stress levels and learn how to reduce your stress in just 7 days.

Mental Health UK also provide advice and guidance about managing your health and wellbeing to help reduce stress levels, with advice relating to work-life balance, alcohol, exercise, body image worries, burnout, sleep and smoking.

Learning and development solutions for tackling stress

Learn ways to manage stressFirst Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safetyfirst aidfire safety, manual handling, food safetymental healthhealth and social care and more.

An accredited Mindful Employer themselves, FRT’s specialist mental health training courses include Understanding Mental HealthMental Health Awareness in the WorkplaceManaging StressAnxiety and Phobias AwarenessSelf-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:

“While stress is not recognised as a diagnosable mental health condition, it can lead to more serious mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, and can also have physiological effects.

“It’s important to recognise the severity of stress and to learn proactive and positive ways for managing, minimising and preventing stress, both in the workplace and in our personal lives.”

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 and emotional wellbeing and proactively manage your stress levels. 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.

IOSH calls for coordinated focus on mental health in the workplace

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has called for a coordinated response to boost mental health in the workplace.

Mental health in the workplace needs a coordinated approachThe world’s largest occupational safety and health (OSH) body has responded to a European Commission consultation, saying that more effective leadership and governance frameworks are required to help improve mental health in the workplace.

Prevention-first approach to mental health in the workplace

Aiming to develop a “comprehensive approach to mental health,” the European Commission called on citizens, stakeholders and other interested parties to provide their input for the forthcoming Commission Communication.

The consultation focused on the role of regulators in preventing mental health problems and promoting wellbeing.

Announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in the 2022 State of the Union address, the initiative is designed to promote a comprehensive, prevention-oriented approach to mental health. It will address the policies and socioeconomic and environmental determinants that impact mental health and wellbeing.

Prevention first approach needed for mental health in the workplaceBacking the prevention-first approach, IOSH also urged the Commission to improve support for “governments, workplaces and communities to help people with mental health conditions to participate in and thrive at work.”

Focusing on psychosocial risks at work, IOSH acknowledged that issues such as bullying, sexual harassment and occupational violence can seriously impact workers’ mental health and wellbeing.

But the leading OSH body also warned that “more subtle elements of work can chip away at wellbeing over time.”

They cited factors including poor leadership support, interpersonal conflict and job insecurity, and said that tackling these risks is of “utmost importance,” due to the significant impact they can have on individual mental health.

OSH professionals can impact mental health in the workplace

IOSH believes that OSH professionals have a key role to play in a prevention-first approach to tackling poor mental health.

In their response, they explained:

“IOSH believes that occupational safety and health professionals can be fundamental to modern businesses and play a key role in the identification of health hazards, which includes psychosocial hazards, supporting good risk management and the prevention and mitigation of occupational risks that impact health, including mental health.

“They drive businesses processes and culture to create a sustainable, healthy, safe and productive workforce. They are also pivotal in creating better and more aligned workplace policies and arrangements that incorporate different aspects of mental health ad wellbeing, that are holistic, worker-centred and put the job design, working conditions and the work environment at the forefront.”

IOSH wants any guidelines that are developed to highlight the business benefits of employers seeking advice from OSH professionals and other experts.

A tailored approach to mental health in the workplace

They also want to see a more tailored approach for smaller businesses, as they say that specific challenges can often affect how they respond to mental health risks.

Healthcare has high risks for mental healthThey told the consultation that micro, small and medium-sized businesses often lack dedicated human resource or occupational health and safety functions, and this “impacts their ability to promote positive mental health and take preventative action.”

IOSH highlights healthcare as a sector with significant risks for mental health.

They recommend “investment to ensure adequate staffing levels, supervision, mentoring, training, personal protective equipment and mental health support.”

The leading OSH body said that the impact of poor mental health in the workplace has never been more visible and called for a coordinated response.

They concluded:

“Factors such as the increased attention from policymakers and employers, the influx of greater levels of awareness in society and from workers, and other socio-economic issues can constitute a driving force for improved worker engagement, enhanced productivity, and organisational sustainability.”

Learning and development solutions for the workplace

OSH professionals can help boost mental health in the workplaceMental health learning and development solutions can play a significant role in helping people to recognise risk factors and proactively support positive mental wellbeing in workplaces.

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safetyfirst aidfire safety, manual handling, food safetymental healthhealth and social care and more.

An accredited Mindful Employer themselves, FRT’s specialist mental health training courses include Understanding Mental HealthMental Health Awareness in the WorkplaceManaging StressAnxiety and Phobias AwarenessSelf-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:

“Businesses have long accepted that protecting the physical health and wellbeing of their employees is vital, and they are now also realising that supporting their mental health and emotional wellbeing is just as important.

“Developing positive solutions to manage mental health in the workplace and being aware of risk factor for mental ill health can be key to ensuring staff satisfaction and business productivity. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Resources to support wellbeing

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.

NSPCC campaign tackles ‘heart-breaking’ loneliness

The NSPCC has launched a new campaign to tackle the “heart-breaking” loneliness experienced by children and young people across the country.

New NSPCC campaign aims to tackle loneliness among children and young peopleThe ‘Day in the Lonely’ campaign uses day-in-the-life style videos to illustrate how three young people experience loneliness.

The videos, based on real-life calls received by Childline, are designed to encourage children to share their feelings of loneliness, and to reassure them that these feelings don’t need to last.

Childline conducts 15 loneliness counselling sessions each day

Loneliness among children peaked during the pandemic but remains highThe campaign comes in the wake of new Childline data which reveals that the free, confidential helpline is contacted an average of 15 times each day by children struggling with loneliness.

Childline delivered a total of 5,564 counselling sessions on loneliness between April 2021 and March 2022.

Counselling sessions on the issue of loneliness predictably peaked at more than 6000 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK. Numbers have since fallen slightly but remain high.

Children who contact Childline are often experiencing loneliness because they’ve been left out of friendship groups and social media chats. Others struggle with the issue because they feel negatively about themselves or believe that their family or friends don’t understand them.

Loneliness can lead to mental health issues

The campaign videos include information on how Childline can support children and young people, including through email and message boards.

It is hoped they will prompt young people to open up about their mental health issues early on, to prevent them escalating to crisis point. Poor mental health has remained a top concern for children contacting the helpline for the past 6 years.

The Director of Childline, Shaun Friel, explains:

“Loneliness is sadly an issue that a high number of children and young people are experiencing.

“At Childline, we know the impact this can have on a child’s wellbeing and mental health.

“We’ve had cases of children left feeling depressed. That’s why we are reminding all children that talking to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher or Childline counsellor about being lonely is a brave thing to do. It will enable them to get the help they need.

“Through this campaign, we want to raise awareness among children and adults, that there are many reasons why young people might feel lonely, but these feelings don’t have to last.

“Getting support early on can prevent things from escalating in the future.”

The Day in the Lonely campaign is supported by supermarket retailer Lidl GB, which has been raising funds for Childline since 2020.

Lidl GB’s Senior CSR Manager, Mark Newbold, says: “It’s heart-breaking to see young people struggle with loneliness, and that is why at Lidl we are proud to have funded the NSPCC’s Day in the Lonely campaign.

“We are committed to raising funds that mean more youngsters in need of emotional support can get the help they require as fast as possible.”

Coping with loneliness

Childline provides tips for coping with lonelinessThe Day in the Lonely campaign page also provides tips for young people who need support but are struggling to talk about their experiences. It also provides top tips for making friends and everyday steps that children and young people can take to cope with loneliness. These include:

  • Doing something everyday that makes you feel positive, whether that’s listening to music, getting active, speaking to someone you care about or tidying something up. Even doing something simple and small each day can help to lift your mood and improve your ability to cope.
  • Taking care of yourself by getting enough sleep, following a daily routine, eating healthily, being physically active and making time to relax. Maintaining a healthy daily routine can help make things easier to cope with.
  • Get help to make friends and take the time and effort to build relationships. Many people may find it difficult to make friends, so follow help and advice and try making the first step, engaging in conversation, being yourself, joining clubs and societies and remember to be patient and take your time.
  • Seek support from someone you trust with things in your life you’re struggling with. This could be a relative, teacher, friend, your doctor or any adult you feel safe with.

For more help and advice, visit the Day in the Lonely webpage or contact Childline for free on 0800 1111.

Supporting children and young people

Young people are urged to talk to someone about loneliness and mental health struggles early onFirst Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safetyfirst aidfire safetymanual handlingfood safetymental healthhealth and social caresafeguarding 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:

“We know that many children faced isolation and loneliness during the pandemic, and this has continued for many, with lots of children and young people also experiencing social and general anxiety, as well as depression in many cases.

“It’s vitally important that we keep talking openly about mental health and that we take the time to make meaningful connections, and have conversations, with children to support their wellbeing and check in with them about how they’re feeling.

“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.

Let’s Connect for Children’s Mental Health Week

This week (6th-12th February 2023) is Children’s Mental Health Week and the theme for this year is Let’s Connect, as data suggests more than two-thirds of children experiencing mental health problems feel socially anxious.

Children's Mental Health Week encourages connections and communication

The annual awareness week is run by children’s mental health charity, Place2Be, and was first launched in 2015 to help highlight the importance of children’s mental health and wellbeing.

The charity provides a range of free resources for schools, youth groups and families, such as activity ideas, assembly guides, videos and top tips, to help primary and secondary-aged children and adults explore the topics of mental health and wellbeing.

In line with this year’s theme, suggested activities will help children, young people and adults to consider how we can make meaningful connections that support and protect our mental health.

A lack of connections impacts children’s mental health

Meaningful connections are important for children's mental health

An absence of rewarding and meaningful social connections can lead to people feeling isolated and lonely, which can in turn have a negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing.

With 1 in 6 children living with a diagnosable mental health condition in England, Place2Be wants to encourage people to connect with family, friends and others in healthy, rewarding and meaningful ways during Children’s Mental Health and Week – and beyond.

They say: “People thrive in communities, and this connection is vital for our wellbeing.”

Princess of Wales supports Children’s Mental Health Week

Her Royal Highness Catherine, Princess of Wales, is the Royal Patron of Place2Be and has supported Children’s Mental Health Week since its inception 9 years ago.

To mark Children’s Mental Health Week 2023, she met with primary school children in East London to discuss the importance of making connections and supporting children’s mental health. The Princess encouraged the pupils of St John’s CE Primary School in Bethnal Green to keep talking openly about their feelings, and to continue to check in with one another regarding their emotional wellbeing.

Children’s Mental Health Week comes just as Her Royal Highness has launched her awareness campaign, Shaping Us, which aims to increase public understanding of the crucial importance of the first five years of a child’s life.

Many children feel ‘socially anxious’

New dataSocial connections are vital for children's mental health and wellbeing released by Place2Be shows that almost 78% of the young people supported by the charity last year felt socially anxious and that nearly two-thirds (65%) had difficulties interacting with their classmates.

However, the data also reveals that, with support, two-thirds (76%) of those experiencing severe difficulties saw an improvement in their mental health and wellbeing.

These latest findings follow the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns, which led many children and young people to miss out on classroom connections and become isolated from their friends. Teachers have since asked for support in helping young people across the country to improve their social interactions and confidence.

Place2Be notes that a lack of meaningful connections is a key driver in loneliness and anxiety, which makes it vitally important that children and young people can form supportive friendships.

Catherine Roche, CEO of Place2Be, explains:

“In one-to-one sessions with our counsellors, children are telling us how difficult they find it to form and maintain friendships. Forming positive relationships is fundamental to our mental wellbeing and this has been significantly disrupted in recent years.

“While the statistics around children’s mental health are stark, I am optimistic. Through targeted interventions across the school, we can help children and young people become confident, resilient and able to cope with life’s challenges.

“Disconnection and loneliness should not be a part of school life.”

Reach out to tackle mental health crisis

The charity hopes that Children’s Mental Health Week will help to highlight the importance of early intervention in preventing the most serious mental health problems.

Roche adds:

“We hope this week that everyone, whether a child or adult, in school, at home or on the bus, has at least one meaningful conversation with someone. Reach out! We need to embed a culture of destigmatizing our mental health to create a brighter future for our young people.”

Place2Be want people to connect and keep talking about children's mental health

Place2Be have also launched a short film series created by BAFTA for Children’s Mental Health Week 2023, where BAFTA’s Young Presenters, aged between 12 and 17, met with film, TV and radio stars to reflect on the different ways in which they connect with others.

In addition, Place2Be Ambassador, podcaster and journalist, Josh Smith, spoke with secondary school pupils about the different ways in which they connect, and how connections can impact their mental health and wellbeing. The video can be viewed on Place2Be’s website.

Place2Be also offers a social media guide and resources, toolkits for schools, posters, flyers and fundraising packs to help people spread the word, increase awareness and raise funds for children’s mental health.

Mental health training and support for those working with children

Early intervention is important for children's mental health

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safetyfirst aidfire safetymanual handlingfood safetymental healthhealth and social caresafeguarding 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 faced isolation, loneliness and academic upheaval during and since the pandemic, and this has led many to experience social and general anxiety, as well as depression in many cases.

“It’s vitally important that we keep talking openly about mental health and that we take the time to make meaningful connections, and 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.