Mental health first aid law proposed in parliament
A new Bill requiring employers to offer mental health first aid training has been presented to parliament. Proposing the Bill, Tory MP Dean Russell told the Commons the change would lead to more people spotting the early signs of mental health issues in the workplace and therefore saving lives. Many businesses already offer mental health training to first aiders, but it is not currently a legal requirement. Russell told MPs:
"People do not always wear bandages to show where they have anxiety and depression. This Bill will simply mean that workers have a person to signpost them to the help and support they need, when they need it."
This is not the first time the idea has been discussed. Mr Russell attempted to bring forward similar legislation in 2021, but the Bill failed to go any further. This time, the new law was proposed as a Ten-Minute Rule Bill.
The Bill is designed to make mental health first aid part of first aid training requirements in workplaces as well as in wider society. Mental health first aid teaches how to help a person developing a mental health problem, becoming more unwell, or in a mental health crisis. If successful, employers and colleagues could play a part in spotting symptoms, signposting people to further help, or simply just listening.
Mental health charity Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) has produced guidance that explains how to recruit, train and assess mental health first aiders in an organisation. It covers how to evaluate the support already in place, create a clear policy, and encourage senior-level buy-in.
The charity says:
“The workplace has changed for people and organisations. In the last few years, we've seen a global pandemic, economic downturns, cost of living pressures, adaptation to hybrid working, the great resignation and a recruitment crisis. It has taken a toll on employees, and now – more than ever – they need mental health support in the workplace. Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders®) are crucial to helping boost employee wellbeing as we adjust to a profoundly changed workplace environment.”
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