Compulsory mental health first aid in every workplace could soon become law as a Parliamentary Bill to make it part of every workplace’s training has passed its first reading.

The Bill was introduced by Dean Russell MP (Watford) and Where’s Your Head At? Ambassador, who argued that ensuring the mental wellbeing of our nation is essential. He said:

“This Bill will help individuals, but also makes sense for businesses when considering productivity, and it makes sense nationally when considering the economic cost of reported mental health-related absence. If every workplace has a mental health first aider, we can ensure early signposting, guidance and support is available to boost the nation’s mental wellbeing.”

The Bill is designed to make mental health first aid part of first aid training requirements in workplaces as well as in wider society. Mental health first aid teaches how to help a person developing a mental health problem, becoming more unwell, or in a mental health crisis. If successful, employers and colleagues could play a part in spotting symptoms, signposting people to further help, or simply just listening.

Mental health charity Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) has produced guidance that explains how to recruit, train and assess mental health first aiders in an organisation. It covers how to evaluate the support already in place, create a clear policy, and encourage senior-level buy-in.

It also includes case studies from well-known firms, so employers can see the advice in action.

MHFA states that the only effective, sustainable approach to employee wellbeing involves the whole organisation. Attitudes filter down from leaders and must be backed up with policies and procedures. Alongside any training, it’s important to review how organisations can create and nurture an open and supportive culture around mental health.