Samsic UK’s Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) program equips a team of volunteers to support our employees who are suffering mentally in the workplace. Their role is to identify an individual’s needs, before referring them to specialist agencies that can offer practical help.
We deliver an expert-led training program for our MHFAs, as well as ongoing support. This ensures that their own needs are met before they attend to the needs of their colleagues.
Samsic MHFA Luke Johnson tells his story in his own words.
Why have you chosen to be a Mental Health First Aider?
I want to support those that need it most, and to allow those that are suffering in finding a pathway to that first step to help. I regard mental health so highly, and it should be seen with the same regards as physical health.
People should not feel like they should suffer in silence, and providing a support network within our company will hopefully enable those suffering to come forward to a friendly face. To work for a company that is dedicated to helping those who need it makes me extremely proud.
What do you feel are the benefits of having Mental First Aiders in our workplace?
Mental health and wellbeing is such a huge part of every individuals life, and I believe that at least one point in every person’s life there will be a time where they need support, be it something as small as an ear to listen from time to time to something more.
Being a MHFA would give that person friendly face a person could approach. I believe the benefits of having a mental health first aider team trained within the business would allow us to support those that need it – maybe those who would not normally seek help outside of work, and if it helps one person, then it will be a success.
