Case Studies

MITIE commissioned MHS to deliver the MHFA 2 day course to 3 groups of employees ranging from senior managers to operational staff. They identified the need for this training as their Real Apprentice Programme (RAP) works with disadvantaged people, some of whom can display symptoms of mental ill health and MITIE staff were uncertain how to deal with these problems. Following the training, staff felt more confident and able to understand and deal with sensitive issues. In addition MITIE reports that the course has contributed to staff wellbeing and the ability to openly discuss issues. They will continue to use the training for new managers and others supporting the RAP scheme.

From a business perspective, MITIE is seen as a supportive employer and there are financial benefits in terms of being able to identify staff problems early, thus potentially saving months of Occupational Health intervention and lost productivity. The cost of the training is minimal for the benefits obtained.

MITIE view the training as being as important as managing physical health and would recommend that Mental Health is made a part of Corporate Health & Safety.

The MHFA course led by Bernie Graham of MHS for MITIE was the subject of a full evaluation undertaken by the University of Westminster.

MHFA - Initial Evaluation by Private Sector Participants August 2010

At Bath University most of the students are young and therefore more vulnerable as they are away from home for the first time, under a lot of pressure, and of an age when the onset of mental health problems can occur. There had been an increase in demand for counselling within the University, and more students exhibiting signs of mental health problems. Tutors felt they did not know enough to cope and were also feeling the pressure.

The University recognised the potential risk and appointed a Student Mental Health Support Worker, whose role included identifying appropriate training for staff. The MHFA accredited course was deemed most suitable for their needs and MHS was asked to provide the training. The Student Mental Health Support Worker, Moe Griffin, had previously been trained and mentored by Bernie Graham of MHS and felt very confident that he could deliver the course well.

As well as Resident Tutors, participants included Security staff and Accommodation Officers ranging from Senior Managers to frontline staff. Following the course, staff reported increased confidence in dealing with mental health problems, they were more able to ask the right questions, recognise the symptoms, and know how to refer for further help. The feedback from all participants was very positive.

SHELTER has used both the MHFA 2 day course and the MH Awareness 1 day course for their staff in a number of locations and continue to work with MHS to fulfill their training needs in the mental health field.

Staff were from different locations and were supporting different client groups; e.g. the elderly in one area, domestic violence in another. They were all support workers from 3 levels of seniority. Staff appraisals had identified a need for support in the mental health field and there had been an increase in incidents involving mental health difficulties which in some cases had led to sickness and stress.

Staff feedback has been hugely positive about both courses, indicating there has been improved confidence and staff are putting into practice what they have learned.

These excellent courses also help the organisation when tendering for contracts as they can show staff are well trained and more capable. This reflects well on the employer.

There had been a number of incidents involving asylum seekers displaying symptoms of mental health problems and presenting difficult and challenging behaviour. A number of staff had found this disturbing and distressing and felt they were not prepared to cope. They felt they did not know how to respond appropriately or where to refer for further support.

MHS provided a bespoke course to help Immigration Officers/Case Workers/Owners to identify mental health problems in Asylum seekers, which included an introduction to potential suicide risk, how to respond, where to obtain further support, and self-care. A number of courses were run, training a total of about 30 people. A mix of staff took part, including case workers, senior officers, and managers.

A number of providers were considered to provide this training and MHS was chosen because of the trainer's MHFA Instructor qualification, his other excellent qualifications and extensive experience. Bernie Graham also demonstrated his ability to structure/tailor a course to suit the organisation's needs.

The training was very worthwhile, ensuring staff are now more confident and can deal with situations appropriately. They now understand the causes and symptoms in a number of mental health problems, they feel able to respond, refer and communicate appropriately, and very importantly they are able to care for themselves in these situations.

It is accepted that the people who use CAHA services have mental health issues to varying degrees. Those with low level difficulties however were not always recognised but rather just labelled 'difficult'. Staff needed a fuller understanding. The Mental Health Awareness 1 day course was ideal for this purpose.

CAHA have to-date run about 10 one day Mental Health Awareness Courses for approximately 100 staff, from front line staff to managers and from all sections of the organisation. MHS continues to provide training for the Association.

Bernie Graham was already known to CAHA from his previous work in special needs housing and it was felt he could be trusted to understand the problems and difficulties facing the staff.

The training has given the staff the knowledge and confidence to identify a problem early on and put the necessary support in place quickly. The Support Officers are also able to co-ordinate appropriate services.

MHS was asked to deliver a one day course in assertiveness training to a group of clients and befrienders on behalf of Mind. It was felt it would benefit the client group in particular, who lacked self esteem and confidence, but could also be beneficial to the befrienders by helping them hone their communication skills.

MHS was chosen to provide this training as Bernie Graham had previously worked with them and, as well as knowing him to be an excellent trainer, his courses were deemed to be very informative and full of helpful and supportive strategies for participants to take away with them.

The course gave the group the confidence and skills to assert themselves in different situations and to recognise the spectrum between someone coming across as 'aggressive', 'passive aggressive' and 'passive'.

InterAct works with young people with learning disabilities and people with mental health problems.

The Development Manager at InterAct felt the course would help clients with their confidence and self esteem and would also be useful for professionals supporting them to learn more about how AAI could be used within their organisations. The course was funded by RETHINK (a Mental Health Charity) and was advertised to organisations and the public in the Chelmsford, Essex area where InterAct is based. A total of 32 people attended.

MHS was chosen to provide the training as Bernie Graham is an expert in this field and has written a book about Animal Assisted Therapies¹.

Feedback from the day was very positive and participants reported a significant increase in their knowledge and understanding of the subject. A number of participants said they would like to start working with dogs and other animals and would look into practical animal training courses. Since the course a number of clients and others have been working with a dog trainer.

The Hornsey Housing Association provides housing to vulnerable individuals, some of whom have mental health problems. Staff needed guidance as to how to recognise and deal with these issues. Participants included managers, team leaders and frontline staff. The MHFA 2 day course was chosen as it is a recognised, certificated course. Bernie Graham of MHS was asked to provide the training as he was already known to the organisation from his previous work in special needs housing.

The course has given staff a greater awareness and understanding of mental health difficulties. Even psychologists who attended thought it very good and very useful. All staff felt more confident to act appropriately and deal with problems as they arose.

The recognised, certificated course demonstrates that the organisation takes training very seriously and believes in investing in its staff to ensure they are well trained. This shows the employer in a good light, is helpful when bidding for new business and enhances the organisation's reputation.