Time to Talk Day: Raising awareness through mental health first aid
South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, in partnership with Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) and NHS Charities Together, provides free mental health training for local residents. So far, we have trained over 100 Champions!
Designed to break stigma, raise awareness, and improve mental health literacy, the course gives participants the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to signs of mental ill health.
This years’ Time to Talk Day focuses on bringing communities together to discuss mental health. To mark the occasion, we spoke with Rakesh, who has recently completed the mental health first aid training.
Q. What inspired you to take the MHFA course?
“I was interested in learning something new and expanding my knowledge in first aid, particularly around mental health. I first heard about the course through the involvement team and found it to be a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights into mental health support.”
Q. How has completing the course changed your perspective on mental health?
“The course helped me gain a deeper understanding of mental health challenges, support resources, and the importance of open conversations. It made me realise that as a community, we need to become more aware of the signs of mental health and the support that’s available.”
Q. Would you recommend the MHFA course?
“Yes, absolutely. The course is incredibly useful, as it encourages open conversations about mental health and equips individuals with the tools to provide support to others.”
Q. What resources or support networks would you recommend to anyone struggling with their mental health?
“There are many helplines, support services, and organisations available for those in need, including Talking Therapies, MIND, Recovery Cafés, and more. I strongly encourage reaching out for support.”
Q. How can Mental Health First Aiders help create a more open and supportive workplace or community?
“The course was highly informative and extending it to two days could allow for deeper discussions and a more comprehensive understanding of mental health.
“Incorporating real-life experiences, case studies, and regular group discussions would enhance learning and promote ongoing mental health conversations in workplaces and communities. But overall, it was a great experience and something I’d be interested in expanding on in the future.”
Interested in taking the course? The next session will be held on Friday, 14th February, from 9-4pm at Trinity Building, Springfield Hospital. For more information and to register click here.
For more information on support options click here.
