FAQ's from an end user

How do I request to speak to a Mental Health First Aider?

There are a few ways you can make contact with a Mental Health First Aider:

First aider list: Contact a mental health first aider directly. Access the list here.

Call Security: Call Security (contact details can be found at: http://www.security.qmul.ac.uk/Contact%20Us/index.html) and request a mental health first aider. They will then ask for your contact details so that the Mental Health First Aider can contact you shortly or attend if there is a crisis.

Local Mental Health First Aiders: You may have a local Mental Health First Aider working within your School/Institute/Directorate. Look out for signage displayed, information at the bottom of people’s signatures or details on your intranet or handbooks.

Contact Mental Health First Aid Instructors: If you have exhausted the above options, please contact either Suzanne Mason (s.t.mason@qmul.ac.uk) or Megan Vagg (m.vagg@qmul.ac.uk). Please note Suzanne and Megan are not always in the office so it could take up to 3 working days for a response.

I don’t want to speak to a Mental Health First Aider in my School/Institute/Directorate, can I speak to a Mental Health First Aider from another area?

Yes, you can. Use the first aider list to contact a mental health first aider from another School, Institute or Directorate directly. The list contains details of where the individual works.

I don’t have a diagnosed mental health condition, can I still speak to a Mental Health First Aider?

Yes, you can. The aim of mental health first aid is to recognise signs and symptoms of stress and mental health issues arising before they become a diagnosable condition. No matter how minor you think the issue may be, Mental Health First Aiders are trained to listen and provide support in a non-judgmental way.

I feel like if I speak to a Mental Health First Aider they will think I’m being silly and say my problem is not that big. Is this true?

No, this is not true. Mental Health First Aiders are trained to be non-judgmental. Mental ill-health, including stress affects us all differently and Mental Health First Aiders are aware of this. No problem would be regarded as silly or minor – what you feel is real to you and Mental Health First Aiders will recognise that.

Will my conversation with a Mental Health First Aider be recorded or shared?

Conversations you have with a Mental Health First Aider are strictly confidential, unless there is a risk of harm to you or other individuals in which case immediate support may be required. The importance of confidentiality is stressed in the training that Mental Health First Aiders receive. If you have any questions about the recording process, please contact hs-helpdesk@qmul.ac.uk.

Where will I meet the Mental Health First Aider?

This is at yours and the designated Mental Health First Aiders discretion. You may not find it comfortable to meet in an office or working environment. Try to suggest having a walk around campus, or meeting in a communal or common space. Similarly, you may choose to speak initially over Teams.

What can I do if I do not get on with the Mental Health First Aider I speak to?

If you did not connect with the Mental Health First Aider or feel like you got on with them, it is recommended that you try to speak with a different Mental Health First Aider. Mental Health First Aiders are aware that this situation may arise and will understand.

What if I need Mental Health First Aid assistance out of normal office hours?

Call Security (contact details can be found at: http://www.security.qmul.ac.uk/Contact%20Us/index.html) who will have staff trained in Mental Health First Aid.

I have not been able to source a mental health first aider, what do I do?

There are a range of other companies and charities you can contact:

Samaritans

Telephone: 116 123

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Website: www.samaritans.org

NHS

Telephone: 111

Website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/

Workplace Options

Telephone: 0800 243 458

Email: assistance@workplaceoptions.com

Website: www.workplaceoptions.co.uk (username: queenmary password: employee)