On Thursday 27 and Friday 28 November SELCRP’s Community Rail Officer Emily Oldfield undertook Mental Health First Aid Training with St John Ambulance.
The course ran for two days at Faulkner House in Manchester, with completion meaning that Emily is now a certified Mental Health First Aider. She also received a green Mental Health First Aider lanyard, which she will wear when present at Bolton Station.
Mental Health First Aiders help to encourage greater awareness of mental health, as well as trained to recognise and respond appropriately to signs of mental ill-health in others. They can also provide initial support and share relevant resources.
The training, led by Stephen Andrews, was highly informative and explored reducing stigma, learning how to respond to crisis situations and signposting individuals to professional help where necessary. Course content also included considering the importance of confidentiality, active listening, and what genuine empathy looks like.
Greater conversation and openness around mental health and wellbeing is key, and more information can be found via the St John Ambulance website.
