Recognising the Vital Role of Mental Health First Aiders

November 12^th 2025 marks the first nationwide celebration of Mental Health First Aiders in England.

At First Option, we’re proud to champion mental health awareness and help foster a culture where wellbeing is taken seriously and stigma is reduced. That’s why we’ve invested in training, with more than ten members of our team now qualified as Mental Health First Aiders.

Our Mental Health First Aiders play a vital role in supporting workplace wellbeing. They’re equipped to offer first-line support to colleagues, whether that means having an open conversation that helps reduce stigma, providing reassurance to someone in distress, or signposting to further professional help. The positive impact of our MHFAiders extends far beyond individual moments, it strengthens our teams and resonates throughout our wider community.

Demand continues to grow across the TV and film industry as more people recognise the value of creating mentally healthy workplaces, and research shows that 90% of MHFAiders actively use their skills in the workplace, making this a practical investment with a tangible, day-to-day impact.

Even more inspiring, 95% of MHFAiders say they feel proud to hold the role, helping to boost engagement, connection, and wellbeing across teams.

We run regular training courses – they are a great opportunity to join a growing movement that’s changing the culture around mental health at work.

As an MHFAider^® you will gain the knowledge and skills to spot the signs of a person experiencing poor mental health, the confidence to start a conversation, and the tools to signpost to appropriate support. You’ll learn how to guide individuals toward professional help, practice active listening and empathy, and have meaningful conversations that break down stigma. This training also covers the crucial aspects of setting boundaries, maintaining confidentiality, and prioritising your own self-care.

MHFAiders are essential to maintaining employee wellbeing. You will gain:

• A deeper understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect people’s wellbeing
• Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
• The confidence to step in and support someone in the workplace by guiding them to appropriate support
• Three years access to the MHFAider Support App^® with 24/7 digital support
• Access to exclusive resources, ongoing learning opportunities, and the benefit of joining England’s largest community of trained MHFAiders

• MHFA England training is key for creating a healthy workplace where the mental and physical health of employees are valued equally
• 91% of people had a better understanding of mental health after completing their MHFA England course
• Since MHFA England was founded in 2007, their Instructor Members have provided training to over 20,000 workplaces equating to hundreds and thousands of MHFAiders
• MHFA England Instructor Member training is accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health, meaning a quality assured and consistent training experience