The benefits of becoming a Mental Health First Aider

In recent years, mental health has rightly moved higher up the agenda. With growing awareness that not all illnesses are visible, more individuals are taking steps to look after their mental wellbeing — and it's time businesses did the same.

Mental health across the sectors

Looking after your employees' mental health doesn’t only make financial sense, it creates a healthy and resilient office — Sifted surveyed startup founders and found 54% said they had experienced burnout in the past 12 months.

Poor mental health affects everyone and isn’t limited to office roles. 48% of tradespeople surveyed in St John’s Ambulance research said their current levels of stress and anxiety are having a negative impact on their work. 71% said they have given a false reason for taking time off due to poor mental health and 82% say they’ve suffered with a mental health challenge at some point in their career.

Why visibility matters

54% of tradespeople in the same St John’s Ambulance survey said they would be more likely to share their problems if they had a trained mental health first aider on site.

Investing in mental health makes business sense

Deloitte’s latest report: Mental health and employers state that “for every £1 spent on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their workforce, employers get (on average) about £4.70 back in increased productivity.”

We interviewed Ele Brook-Hatch, Executive Assistant and Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) here at Superscript, to find out what inspired her to become a MHFA, what the process was like getting her qualifications and the benefits she’s seen.

Q: What route did you take to get your MHFA qualification?

Becoming a MHFA means completing accredited training from a recognised provider.

I trained with St John Ambulance, one of the UK’s leading organisations in this space. Their MHFA course covers recognising the signs of poor mental health, responding to crises, and guiding people toward professional help.

The qualification provides practical frameworks and builds confidence in offering non-judgemental support, which is crucial for creating a safe and inclusive workplace.

Q: How long did it take you to get your MHFA qualification?

The course took two full days, involving a mix of theory, case studies, and interactive activities.

We learned to apply a step-by-step action plan; Assess, Listen, Give, Encourage professional help, and Encourage self-help, also known as ALGEE, which helps in responding effectively and compassionately to someone experiencing mental distress.

At the end, I sat an exam and received a certificate recognising me as a certified Mental Health First Aider.

Q: What inspired you to become a MHFA?

Mental health is a hugely important topic for me. I was motivated by a strong desire to support others and break the stigma around mental health, especially in the workplace.

Over the years, I’ve seen how easily people can struggle in silence. I’m open about my own mental health journey and have struggled at times over the past few years. Having regular access to a therapist has been an amazing benefit, giving me valuable insight into the importance of support, connection, and self-care.

I wanted to be someone others could turn to; a safe, approachable presence who could listen without judgement and help them find the right support. My whole career has been based on supporting and elevating those around me, so it felt like a natural step to help others, foster a safe environment, and learn another skill.

This year's Mental Health Awareness Week theme around community also resonated deeply with me, as I believe that strong, mentally healthy communities are the foundation of truly inclusive and supportive workplaces.

Q: How has being visible as a MHFA helped you build community and empower people to tackle crises and improve their mental health?

Being visible as an MHFA has helped foster openness and trust across teams.

Just knowing there are colleagues trained and available often makes it easier for people to start difficult conversations. I’ve seen colleagues feel more empowered to speak about their mental wellbeing, and in doing so, we’ve normalised using supportive, empathetic language.

This has also created opportunities to share the resources available within the business, like the Headspace app, access to therapists, run clubs, fitness classes, and webinars that support mental health.

These resources are essential in building a supportive, connected workplace, aligning perfectly with this year's focus on creating safe, inclusive, and connected communities within the workplace.

Q: Have you seen any benefits to your work or personal life since training to be a MHFA?

Absolutely. I’m more emotionally aware and confident in supporting others, both at work and in my personal life. It’s helped me become a better listener and more compassionate communicator.

On a personal level, it’s also encouraged me to reflect on and protect my own mental wellbeing, ensuring I recognise signs of stress early and prioritise self-care.

This has also reinforced my understanding that mentally healthy individuals contribute to stronger, more resilient teams, which ultimately helps build a safer and more inclusive organisational culture.

Q: How do you destress and what are your tips for relaxing?

I regularly use the tools available within the business, and particularly appreciate the Mindler app for therapy, my gym membership, and meditation apps, to support my mental health and wellbeing.

If you are considering becoming a MHFA, you can visit MHFA England or St John Ambulance to explore the courses they offer.

Getting your MHFA qualification can be done over a two-day course and has many benefits for protecting your staff.

Regardless of what sector you work in, everyone should have access to mental health advice from a professional or someone to talk to, and a MHFA could be a great starting point.