In today's business landscape, mental health first aid is crucial. It equips employees and leaders with the skills to recognise and address mental health challenges. By prioritising it, businesses create a supportive work environment, enhance productivity and demonstrate a commitment to employee wellbeing.
The value of mental health first aid
Mental health-related claims are increasing as a proportion of all serious claims in the workplace, with a rise from 6.2% of all serious claims in 2014-2015 to 9.3% in 2020-2021. From 2019 to 2020, the median compensation paid was $55,270 per serious claim compared to $13,883 for physical injuries and diseases.1
Gallagher's licensed instructors can deliver the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course in your workplace. Many organisations use MHFA training as the foundation of their mental health strategy to lessen the impact of mental health problems on productivity while fostering a healthier and safer workplace.
MHFA training leads to improved:
- Confidence to support a co-worker
- Mental health literacy
- Workplace culture
What is the Mental Health First Aid® course?
The MHFA course is an internationally recognised program that provides employees and leaders with the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a co-worker experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
It teaches participants how to provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves using a practical, evidence-based Action Plan.
Mental Health First Aid® key learning outcomes
The MHFA course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of professionals and people with lived experience of mental health problems.
It provides an overview of mental illnesses, risk factors, prevalence and impact before taking a much closer look at the following mental health problems: depression, psychosis, substance use problems, anxiety and bipolar.
