Learners will be trained over four live sessions with an MHFA England Instructor Member, covering 14 hours of content in total.​ You have reason to believe that the individual plans to seriously harm themselves or complete suicide, or has taken steps to do so already; this requires urgent action. Following actions advised without delay: Once trained, MHFAiders are also asked to communicate and promote MHFA in their local area and they also become part of the BBC’s Mental Health Network and receive a MHFA turquoise lanyard so colleagues can identify them. Please do take a moment to test your tech before joining a session. Make sure that your webcam, microphone and speakers are working so that you can fully participate in the live sessions. Please make sure that you face the camera if you are using more than one screen. If you have not used Zoom before you can access information here If you are looking to train eight people or more, get in touch with our workplace mental health experts to learn more and to discuss your organisation's requirements:

We limit numbers to 16 people per course so that instructors can keep people safe and supported while they learn. The individual is clearly distressed and has mentioned suicidal thoughts, although does not intend to harm themselves immediately (ask the question directly to be sure). In addition to the actions described for 'Low risk', you could also consider: Online or face-to-face course structured across four flexible sessions. Each session is a maximum of 3hrs 45mins and sessions can be delivered within a two week period.This course is ideal for individuals who would like to become an MHFAider® to gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health, be confident to start a conversation and signpost a person to appropriate support.​ Becoming a MHFAider is a significant commitment - if you’re interested in being trained and supporting your colleagues, you can find out more about the training using the relevant link to the MHFA course.

MHFAiders are trained across the BBC to recognise the symptoms of mental health problems, to provide initial help in an emergency and guide a person towards appropriate professional help. They are not therapists or medical professionals; they are trained BBC colleagues who can offer immediate assistance in a crisis situation. MHFA was introduced at the BBC in August 2014 and as of March 2018 over 700 BBC staff have been trained. The MHFAider Support App® provides training resources and ongoing learning opportunities so that MHFAiders® can improve their support skills on the job Each session builds on the previous, enabling the learner to gain confidence in supporting others with a Mental Health First Aid action plan.

What might happen?

Once you complete the Mental Health First Aid course, you can test your knowledge and build your confidence in your role as an MHFAider® with the internationally recognised MHFAider® qualification, RSPH Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid.

Someone who remains at significant risk of suicide should be under medical supervision and not be at work. However, if the risk has been medically assessed, and an individual does not require medical supervision then working can be a very positive contribution to helping them recover and work may be the best place for them to be. Lists are also displayed on posters in many officesLists are also displayed on posters in many offices. MHFAiders who speak other languages and those who are also BBC Embrace members can be found via the spreadsheet in the Useful Documents section. Train as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) and receive three years of certification, plus access to ongoing benefits.

MHFA England Instructor Training Programme

This would need to be agreed and planned with the person’s care team in collaboration with the workplace. A referral to Occupational Health for advice and guidance about a return to work may be useful. Through their training and certification, MHFAiders® become part of a workplace wellbeing community. With access to the MHFAider Support App®, they can access 24/7 digital support, as well as training resources and ongoing learning opportunities.

Ask if the individual would like someone to come and meet them to take them home (bear in mind they may be happier to stay at work if they feel Ok). Take the person to a quiet, safe place and help them to calm down. Sometimes listening may be enough.

And as a result, our course has proven to increase MHFAiders’® confidence in supporting people with mental health issues, meaning they can support your workplace more effectively in the long term. In addition, Access Services may be able to provide advice and information to employee and manager about any reasonable adjustments that may need to be considered to support the person’s mental health at work. What is Mental Health First Aid at the BBC?