Taking Charge: The Journey to Becoming a Mental Health First Aider
Mental health is a topic that hits close to home for many of us. As something that was once taboo or brushed aside, it’s now considered more important than ever, especially in the workplace.
At Kinase, wellbeing is a top priority and is integrated into the training and onboarding of every new employee. We make sure mental health isn’t just a tick in our social responsibility box by taking a proactive approach and providing regular workshops, activities and resources to ensure everyone has access to the information and support they need, at all times.
As someone with a keen passion for mental wellbeing, I was eager to get involved in these discussions, taking part in activities and conversations in my first few months at Kinase.
It was during this time that the Kinase Mental Health First Aider role was brought to my attention. When I was asked if I would like to take over the responsibility, there was no doubt in my mind that I did. Despite the magnitude of the topic, I have always been of the opinion that it is crucial to keep conversations surrounding mental health alive in one’s everyday and immediate environment.
What is a Mental Health First Aider?
The role is responsible for promoting mental health awareness across the agency, acting as a point of support and organising all kinds of interesting and enjoyable sessions and activities.
When it came to taking over the role, there were two main focuses.
The first was an internal introduction and handover which involved an in-depth discussion about the duties I would be undertaking with the existing Mental Health team. Following this, I received training on the relevant internal processes, was eventually handed over my responsibilities and then the fun began!
The second part to ensuring I was ready to take on this responsibility was becoming a qualified Mental Health First Aider. In order to do this, I attended a comprehensive two-day course with St John Ambulance. Here, we were provided with all the information and skills required to best respond to someone having a mental health crisis. I also left the course with some great ideas - things we can implement at Kinase to make mental health resources more accessible and further support our people..
My responsibilities now include helping to run our Appreciation Card initiative where every week people are able to send a card of appreciation to a colleague. I also organise activities to give everyone an opportunity to take a break and unwind, such as the crafting session we held for Time to Talk Day at the beginning of February.
I am so excited to keep driving the force of mental health at Kinase and continue challenging the stigma around having these conversations in the workplace.
Want to find out more about Kinase and how you can join the team?
By Shabnam Tournaey, Account Executive & Mental Health First Aider
