Mental Health First Aid: A Beacon of Support at FirstGroup
As we reflect on Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s important to recognise the significance of Mental Health First Aiders within our communities and workplaces. At FirstGroup, a leading transport operator in the UK, our commitment to mental well-being is demonstrated through our network of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) across our First Rail and First Bus divisions.
MHFAs and Mental Health Champions are trained to be approachable to others at every level of the organisation, providing support and guidance on difficult and sensitive topics, demonstrating empathy and discretion, ensuring that individuals feel safe and supported. They also signpost what professional help is available when required.
The network aims to support our business in changing attitudes, encouraging conversations, dispelling myths and making it easier for people to seek support. Our Champions and First Aiders focus on promoting a greater understanding of mental health and raising awareness to help us to build a mentally healthy workplace.
First Rail has made significant progress with over 400 MHFAs now in place, ensuring that every rail business under its umbrella is equipped with individuals trained to identify, understand, and help someone who may be experiencing mental health issues.
Similarly, First Bus boasts a trained network of over 250 MHFAs, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for both passengers and employees. In an important step, First Bus has also ensured that all line managers are not just supervisors but Mental Health Champions with every line manager undergoing formal training to better support their teams, demonstrating that mental well-being is just as important as physical health.
As we reflect on the importance of mental health, let’s remember the role that each one of us can play. Whether it’s lending an ear, offering a kind word, or simply being there, we can all be a part of the support network that MHFAs and Mental Health Champions represent. At FirstGroup, the journey towards mental well-being is a shared one, and it’s a journey that is taken seriously, with every step forward marking progress in the right direction.