Free training on mental health and wellbeing is available for everyone who works or volunteers in Bolton.
Bolton Council is encouraging people not to miss out on this opportunity, as the courses are only available until May and places are limited.
The courses offer people insights into their own mental health and wellbeing, as well as ways to help other people with their mental health.
They explore the things that can cause mental wellbeing to dip, look at five important things that help to protect mental health and teach practical steps to manage and improve it.
The courses also teach how to spot the signs of mental health issues in adults and young people and guide them towards the support they need.
For businesses, having staff who are trained in mental health support can be a vital resource.
According to research by the Health and Safety Executive, over half of all working days lost to work-related ill health are caused by stress, depression or anxiety.
Training can help staff learn not only how to support co-workers, but also how to promote awareness of mental health in the workplace and reduce the stigma round mental ill-health.
Eleven different courses are on offer ranging from one-hour introductory sessions to courses with up to seven sessions on different days. Training is done both online and in person.
Alexis Beaumont works at Bolton Council and recently completed the popular Mental Health First Aid certificate, an internationally recognised course, from Mental Health England.
It teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health in other people and provide help on a first aid basis.
The more people who are trained in recognising the signs and offer help, the more it will build a healthier and more supportive environment for us all.
Alexis said: “The course massively exceeded my expectations, the tutor has so much experience in mental health and the content was thought-provoking and enlightening.
“I’d definitely recommend the course to anyone who cares about the people around them.”
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Baines said:
“Mental health no longer carries the stigma it used to, and we need to encourage people not to be afraid to say how they feel.
“This is especially true now, when the last two years have been incredibly challenging for everyone, and we know that this has inevitably impacted many people’s mental health
“The more people who are trained in recognising the signs and offer help, the more it will build a healthier and more supportive environment for us all.”
Training is available for people who work or volunteer with adults or young people.
Full details of the courses and how to register for them are online.