Turning loss to legacy: Celebrating the work of MHFA trainer Colin Bailey
Our Trust is proud to recognise the achievements of Colin Bailey MCMA, an award-winning Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor, coach, and author.
Colin has been shortlisted for the 2025 Complementary Medical Association Community Service Award in recognition of training more than 1,300 people in MHFA skills, including over 110 staff here at our Trust and more than 1,200 students and colleagues at the University of Roehampton.
A leading figure in the field of mental health, Colin brings both professional expertise and deeply personal experience to his work. Following the loss of his father to suicide in 2014, Colin made a commitment to ensure as many people as possible were trained in MHFA skills, equipping individuals to recognise signs of poor mental health, start conversations, and provide vital early support.
Speaking about his nomination, Colin said:
“I lost my father, a GP, to suicide in 2014. Becoming a Mental Health First Aider was the start of my journey, but it was never enough. I made a personal pact to train as many people as possible in MHFA skills so that fewer families have to face the loss that mine did. That commitment continues to drive me every day, every person trained is another step towards a community where support is always within reach.”
Colin’s dedication has been widely recognised. He has been named Mental Health Professional of the Year, Mental Health Coach of the Year 2025/26, and eight-times UK Independent Life Coach of the Year.
We congratulate Colin on his nomination and thank him for his ongoing contribution to the mental health and wellbeing of our staff, students, and local communities!
Free mental health training programme for local residents:
As part of our commitment to local communities, our Trust has trained over 200 Mental Health Champions, funded by NHS Charities Together in partnership with MHFA England.
Originally launched for new residents of Springfield Village to reduce stigma and improve mental health literacy, the programme now supports residents and employers across south west London. Delivered in both Trust and community settings, the training gives participants practical skills to support wellbeing and recognise the early signs of mental ill health.
Find out more about our Trust charity, and MHFA here.
