Mental Health First Aiders

Hayley Markham - MHFA

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

I am both fascinated and curious about the World, and probably share amongst others out there, the age-old habit of people watching! Observing the interactions of others lends itself well to taking a step back out of the everyday chaos and checking in on my moral compass.

I believe I am a good person, and have always been there for others, having watched, and indeed supported people through times of personal difficulties both in and out of the workplace I welcomed the opportunity to be able to join our growing team of supportive mental health first aiders.

A nice quote I recently read, sums it up nicely!

To make a difference in someone’s life you don’t have to be rich, beautiful, or perfect. You just have to care – Mandy Hale.

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

The very word “mental” has many connotations. Some of these good, but more often than not negative, stirring up thoughts and feelings that conjure up our inner defence mechanisms. Our instinct of fight or flight is very real!

The more we share, verbalise and bring mental health into our daily conversations and support networks, the more we chip away at the mental health stigma. In the wise words of BT.. it’s good to talk!.

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

My door is always open! In past experiences of providing support, the initial reach out has often evolved from a conversation. I am available in person through the office / laboratory or can be reached via email and MSTeams – although it helps to talk things through in person.

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

Taking time out to do the things that bring you joy, write a journal to see if there are any patterns occuring, and to be okay with having the not so okay days!

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.

Laura Bareham - MHFA

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

I have struggled hugely with my mental health for many years, and it has had a massive impact on both my experiences as a student at the university and my career. It can be really hard to function on a day to day basis when leaving your ‘stuff’ at the door just isn’t an option, and I’ve always found that talking to people about it and developing support networks has helped enormously. I see being a Mental Health First Aider as an opportunity to support others in similar situations to myself, and to hopefully encourage conversation around, and normalisation of, mental health issues in the workplace in particular. It’s also great to be in a position where I can make a positive impact on others and be a support when people need it.

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

As I mentioned above, ‘leaving it at the door’ often isn’t an option when you have mental health issues- we carry it with us all the time, and at times it can affect everything we do. Raising awareness and starting conversations around mental health issues can go a long way towards reducing the silent stresses that many of us experience, developing support systems within our work and study spaces, and ultimately making mental health issues feel a little less scary and burdensome. So many of us experience mental health issues, and it’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Destigmatising these issues can make them just that bit easier to carry for those who experience them.

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

I always aim to provide a non-judgemental listening ear and a space to just take a breather. Whether it’s a quick coffee in a quiet spot sat in silence, a long chat to get things off your chest or a way of seeking additional support services at a difficult time, I hope to be someone that others feel they can come to when they’re struggling to manage things on their own.
Contacting me via email is generally the quickest way to get hold of me, as I’m not always in the office and am often out and about. I always keep an eye on my emails during work hours no matter what I’m doing, and always try to get back to people quickly.

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

This probably sounds like a bit of an obvious one, but talking. Whether it’s to a friend or family member, a Mental Health First Aider, your GP or mental health professional or a crisis service, getting your worries and concerns ‘off your chest’ can be the first step towards feeling better. Also, I think it’s important to keep an eye on your mental health on a long-term basis and make sure you’re doing the things you need to do to feel good. It might be going for a walk, taking a long quiet bath, going to the gym or having a good Netflix binge; ask yourself often, “What do I need right now?” and as soon as you can, do it.

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.

Allison Barnes - MHFA

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

As Health & Safety Coordinator for my school, I champion and support the health of both staff and students. Health is about the whole person. Like physical health, everyone has mental health. I wish for people to thrive, not just to survive.

 

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

People suffering mental ill-health should no longer feel stigmatised. Talking about mental health must be promoted and normalised.

 

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

I would listen attentively without judgement and signpost to expert advice.

I can be contacted via MS Teams or email.

 

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

1. Taking your full lunch break away from the desk (lunch aldesco forbidden)!
2. Exercising outdoors.
3. Talking to other people to prevent isolation.
4. Eating healthily.

Sally Hobson - MHFA

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

I volunteered to be a Mental Health First Aider because in the same way our physical health can sometimes be unwell, so can our mental health. Life isn’t always about making sure you have everything altogether. Sometimes all you need is someone who genuinely cares about you and is there to help you find your smile.

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

Talking about mental health increases awareness, education, and support, whilst decreasing the stigma associated with mental health.

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

Please give me a call on 07715 633717 or contact me via email on s.hobson@hud.ac.uk – I'd be happy to meet with you or just talk things through on the phone. I'm a great listener and can offer a good cuppa and hug if needed 😊

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

Positive mental health allows you to enjoy all the activities you want to participate in. It’s important to remember that it doesn’t mean you will never be sad or go through emotionally challenging times. It's important to remember its OK not to be OK, but it’s also important that to have a healthy mind you need a healthy body so recommendations such as self-care, social connection, exercise, and positive words to create mental resilience.