Personal testimonies
How does MHFA make a difference in the community?
For independent academic evaluations of MHFA click here
Please read below personal accounts of the impact of MHFA.
"I am happy to tell you that in, and outside of, my work as co- ordinator for Walsall SUE, I have had many occasions to use the mental health first aid training that I participated in with you and your colleague Anne Pledger.
Most commonly the situation is that a person comes into the office or contacts us by phone and at some point in the conversation indicates an intention to self-harm. I use the the mental health first aid training to guide me in my responses and I feel much more confident dealing with these difficult situations. The most recent occasion was at the start of this month, away from work at a cafe, and a witness praised me for the way I handled the situation.
My expereince tells me a need to use mental health first aid is more common than a need to use 'ordinary' first aid." Roger Merrick, Walsall SUE
"One young woman, in particular, had a real impact on me. She came back to the second day of the course and told the story of how, over the previous weekend, she'd used ALGEE in a real crisis situation involving someone she hardly knew. It was so powerful to hear her tell the whole group that, had she not been on the MHFA course the week before, she would never have had the confidence to ask the questions that needed to be asked. She did all the right things - and a tragedy may well have been prevented as a result." Aly Anderson
"The day after the course, one of the members of staff was faced with a situation of someone experiencing an acute psychotic episode in the housing office. The manager said that the incident was handled excellently, with the staff member offering reassurance, support and contacting the appropriate health services with confidence. He said that this was a direct result of the MHFA course and subsequently he made sure the rest of the staff attended MHFA training with us." Robert Errington
"The MHFA course has always been a real success and something that people can relate to and easily grasp the concept of ALGEE, we have had many stories proving that the skills people gained really make a difference." Sandra Flanagan
"I received an email from someone who had attended the course and the second day back to work after the course they were able to help and support appropriately a young woman who was declaring suicidal feelings, they said that without the course they didn't feel confident or would have known what to do. They said that young lady was receiving regular appropriate support and now has a much more positive outlook and frame of mind." Trevor Bell
"As a mental health professional and a service user, I never fail to be excited by the response the course receives when I teach it. The impact is visible on the faces of attendees and is obvious in the clamour to ask questions at break times and at the end of each day. The value of MHFA in challenging stigma, changing perceptions and providing knowledge cannot be overestimated." Bruce Gorrie
"It's great to arrive in a room where people can be full of stigma and fixed ideas about mental health, to have the people in that room, sometimes in stages, be much more open minded, and receptive about the whole topic. I swear you can almost see individual lights being switched on as they really start to grasp and accept the concepts." Trevor Bell
"My most memorable course was one where, on the second day, a participant reported that, whilst out for a walk, she had felt confident enough to approach a young lady with obvious signs of self harm. She felt she had gained some skills and understanding that allowed her to engage with her and offer support and assistance." Laura Gifford
"As an instructor it has been a privilege to see the difference MHFA has made to the many people I have met and trained. Mental health awareness is and always will be something I feel passionately about and I will continue to promote MHFA as a perfect vehicle to achieve this." Emma Power
"I am very passionate about the Mental Health First Aid course because it gets rid of a lot of fear and myths relating to mental health and gives people a bit of confidence to deal with someone who may be experiencing distress. Lots of people who have attended the courses benefit from it - not only on a professional level but also on a personal level and this is something very important in the preventative work I do." Carol Fish
"MHFA is important as it helps to create a better informed and more supportive community for those who experience mental health problems." Dr Steve Jones
"One of the most rewarding aspects of the courses has been seeing the results of an increased confidence from our delegates, as some were unaware of their own knowledge before the course. They found it increased their awareness, and they have been able to put their new found skills into practice in real life situations, both at work and at home." Claire Russell
"One delegate shared that they were experiencing acute mental ill health and had concerns that they would not be able to complete the course due to the nature of their illness. Yet despite this, they engaged with the materials and expressed that their experience on the course had increased their confidence and their self-esteem, which was something they had been lacking for many years." Samm Goodall
"It has been very rewarding to see the changes in these individuals towards mental illness and people with mental health issues following the 2 day training course." Denise Fisher
"The course goes further than a mental health awareness course as it gives participants valuable knowledge and skills to support someone who may be experiencing a crisis." Anne Pledger
