Mental Health First Aiders

Nicola Walker - MHFA

Why did you volunteer to become a Mental Health First Aider?

I volunteered to become a MHFA as within my role as Enterprise Coordinator, I see numerous students with mental health illnesses, who often seem to open up to me about their problems. I wanted to be able to help and support them as best I can to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
I also have friends and family suffering with mental health problems so wanted to learn more about the different illnesses, how I can give support and information and how I can encourage the person to seek professional help.

Why do you think it is important to raise awareness of mental health issues?

It’s important to raise awareness of mental health issues so we can recognise the first signs and symptoms of somebody having a problem. Whilst we’re not here to diagnose and provide medication, it’s important to be able to signpost somebody to get professional help, be understanding and empathetic, and provide a point of contact for support.

What would happen if someone came to you for support, and how would you prefer to be contacted?

If someone came to me for support I would ensure that we are in a private space (virtual or in person) to talk openly and confidentially, with no judgment. I would provide an open ear for the person to talk about their concerns and issues, and would then advise on next steps.
I’m happy to be contacted via email n.j.walker@hud.ac.uk, telephone 01484 256766, or by popping into my office BIC2/19a – whatever the individual feels most comfortable with.

What kind of things do you recommend, to support positive mental health?

To support positive mental health, I recommend that everyone takes regular breaks throughout the day (easier said than done, I know) and makes the time to do things for themselves that they enjoy or helps them to relax. For me, this is exercise, reading a book, or enjoying a good cup of tea and some chocolate! I encourage people to make ‘me time’ part of their daily routine, talk openly about how they are feeling, and know that it’s okay to not feel okay at times.

Claire Round - MHFA

Why did you volunteer to become a Mental Health First Aider?

My motivation is wanting to help other people and be there for them, as I know what a difference it can make. I’d like everyone to know that whatever they are going through, support is here and they are not alone.

I’ve had my own struggles with mental health, having lost my mum quite suddenly 10 years ago, which had a huge impact on me and my family. I will be forever grateful for a very patient husband and some wonderful people around me at work and at home, who supported me, sometimes by just sitting and listening and keeping a check on me. Knowing that someone is there for you, to listen and support you can make such a difference to your day when you are struggling.

I feel privileged to be able to help others and it’s so important for everyone to know that it’s normal and ok if you don’t feel great all of the time, but also know that there will be better days ahead.

Why do you think it is important to raise awareness of mental health issues?

It’s important to raise awareness of mental health issues to de-stigmatise them and make mental health a normal part of our everyday lives. Gone are the days of quietly pretending mental health issues don’t exist and sweeping them under the carpet – we all have mental health, some days it can be great, other days not so much and that’s perfectly normal. On those days we need to be there for each other to support, recognise signs and have conversations to help wherever we can. The more awareness and understanding we have, the more we can help others. We can share techniques and strategies to help each other through the more difficult days.

What would happen if someone came to you for support, and how would you prefer to be contacted?

First of all they’d be made welcome and no problem is too small.

We’d meet however they feel comfortable, whether that’s virtually or a chat in-person, undisturbed over a quiet cuppa. I would want anyone to know that they can talk openly and confidentially, without judgement. Whether it’s a bad day and they need to talk through it, or they’re going through a difficult time and need help accessing additional support services, I am here to help.

I’m based in the office most days, so I’m happy to be contacted over Teams or by email and can arrange to meet up at short notice. Or they can always pop up to the office in the Schwann Building (SB6/44).

What kind of things do you recommend, to support positive mental health?

I think it’s important to know yourself and what makes you tick. For me, getting outside in the fresh air and walking my dog is an essential part of my wellbeing. I read that a walk needs to be at least 20 minutes long to have a positive impact on your mental health and I absolutely believe this. I can feel myself relaxing as I walk, and the time and space away from four walls helps me get things into perspective.

Also, make sure you do something for yourself every day, even if it’s only a few minutes and a chapter of a book you love, or a quiet coffee curled up in your favourite chair.

Keep talking! The feel-good value of a catch-up with a friend or colleague can be such a boost to us.

Finally, if you know you’re not having a good day, be kind to yourself, believe it will pass and I’m always here if you need talk.

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Nicola Walker

Claire Round

Allison Barnes

Sally Hobson

Linda Bedford

Zaid Munir

Gareth Bates

Lindsey Brooks

Jemma Broomhead

Natasha Reed