As its Mental Health Awareness week, Samira Cakali tells us what it’s like to be a mental health first aider. She discusses how the scheme can not only boost wellbeing but potentially save lives.

What is MHFA England?

Mentalhealth first aid training courses (‘MHFA’) came to England in 2007 as part of a national approach to improving public mental health. It is the vision of MHFA England to train one in ten people in MHFA skills, because we all have mental health.  Its aim is to empower people through education to take care of themselves and others. By reducing stigma through understanding, MHFA England hope to break down barriers to the support that people may need to stay well, recover, or manage their symptoms – to thrive in learning, work and life.

Why … more