Meet Faye, one of our Mental Health First Aiders
Faye is one of our Asset Strategy Co-ordinators, and a Mental Health First Aider at Regenda.
Mental Health First Aiders are trained to provide initial support for someone in need of mental health support. Just l ike traditional first aiders who provide immediate assistance for physical injuries .
In the run up to World Mental Health Day, we spoke to Faye about her role as a Mental Health First Aider:
Why did you want to be a Mental Health First Aider?
It’s part of who I am to try and cheer people up. Becoming a Mental Health First Aider felt like a natural step.
Why do you think Regenda benefits from having Mental Health First Aiders?
I think that mental health is an often-overlooked area of a person’s wellbeing , even though poor mental health can have a huge effect on you, including impacting your physical health.
Mental Health First Aiders give people the option to meet people as soon as they are feeling low without any pressure or judgement. It’s good that talking with a Mental Health First Aider can be informal and fully confidential.
How has being a Mental Health First Aider made a difference to your understanding of mental health?
The training to become a Mental Health First Aider definitely helped me recognise signs of different mental health issues people may be facing and how these might present in a person.
What signs should people look out for if they think someone might be struggling?
There are a few things I look out for, including:
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If someone mentions that they are feeling down, fed up or sad.
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If they are feeling irritable or have changes in their moods that are unusual for that person
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If they seem withdrawn or showing a different attitude
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If they are more tired than usual.
Why do you enjoy being a Mental Health First Aider?
Supporting people is somethin g I genuinely feel passionate about.
B eing able to have a genuine positive impact on people and making sure people don’t feel that they’re on their own is so rewarding.
Think you could benefit from mental health support?
Please get in touch with us. Alongside Faye, we have a whole team of people to keep you safe and support you. Send us an email: safeguarding@regenda.org.uk
View some of the support in your area, here (this link will open in a new window.)