Sunseeker International announces the launch of its new Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) programme. A network of over 40 Sunseeker employees will take on the role of Mental Health First Aider, trained to offer mental health & wellbeing support to the workforce across the company’s offices and facilities in Dorset by the end of 2021.

Sunseeker has centralised its training strategy by providing instructor training with MHFA England to its Health and Safety staff. Sunseeker’s MHFA instructors will be able to deliver a comprehensive training framework that will equip Mental Health First Aider’s and line managers with the knowledge to empower colleagues, tackle mental health stigma and offer confidential support.

Nathan, a carpenter at Sunseeker International, commented: “Having just completed my training as a Mental Health First Aider, I recognise the need for an initiative such as this in the workplace. The role of an Mental Health First Aider is to break down barriers and encourage open discussion in the workplace. Peer to peer communication is a personal and progressive first step in seeking professional help for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.

“This is a brilliant programme and I’m delighted that Sunseeker has invested in mental health support. The ability to identify the factors affecting mental health, the symptoms associated with mental health conditions and to be able to offer Mental Health First Aid is a skill I will be able to use in my personal and professional life.”

Sian Dodds, HR Director at Sunseeker International, added: “The Mental Health First Aider’s will play a vital role in the development of our wider Health and Safety strategy. In addition to the launch of this programme, ninety-nine per cent of line managers have now completed the MHFA England Adult Mental Health Awareness Course. The health, wellbeing and safety of the workforce is of paramount importance to the company and the MHFA programme is a positive step towards our renewed focus on mental health in the workplace.”

For more information on Mental Health First Aid England, visit: mhfaengland.org.