Every year, one in five Australians will experience a common mental illness. This means that millions of Australians are going to work every day while dealing with mental health problems. The impact of this can be enormous, affecting workplace productivity, performance, and employee well-being.
At Allambi Care, we recognise that early intervention for those experiencing mental illness is paramount to ensuring our support workers receive assistance as soon as possible. This is why we now have two designated trainers in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).
Laura Martin and Neil Richardson, from the Learning and Development team, recently graduated as certified Trainers in MHFA from Australia’s leading mental health educators.
[Laura and Neil – back left]
Laura reflected on her experience, saying:
"The training was an eye-opening experience. It gave me the skills to not only recognise the signs of mental health issues but also to intervene in a way that is supportive and empathetic.
“Being able to provide our staff with these skills is crucial for fostering a supportive environment at Allambi Care."
Neil Richardson shared his thoughts on the diversity of his training cohort:
“We joined fellow trainees for a week of instruction, and it was fascinating to see the diversity of backgrounds among us.
“There was someone who managed cabin crew for a major international airline, a military chaplain for Australian Special Forces, an ex-Army Major who suffered from PTSD after serving in the British Army during the Gulf War, a local outback GP, a psychologist, a teacher, among others.
“Despite our different backgrounds, we were all there for the same reason—to support staff in our organisations.”
“Mental Health First Aid should be as common as CPR. We all need to know how to support someone who is struggling.”
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is critical for support workers in settings like Allambi Care, where the focus is on the comprehensive well-being of staff as much as the clients they serve. In a high-pressure, emotionally taxing environment such as Allambi Care, where support workers deal with children, youth, and families facing complex issues, MHFA offers essential tools and training.
This support is crucial in maintaining the mental and emotional health of these frontline workers, which in turn impacts their ability to care for others effectively. Understanding the importance of MHFA in this context sheds light on its role in fostering a supportive, resilient, and capable workforce.
Laura says that support workers in Allambi Care often encounter challenging situations and behaviours, which can significantly affect their mental health.
“These workers are at the forefront of care, dealing directly with children and families who may have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The emotional demands of such work can lead to stress, burnout, and even secondary traumatic stress,” Laura says.
MHFA training equips these workers with the skills to recognise signs of mental health issues in themselves and their colleagues. By learning to identify early symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, support workers can seek help or provide assistance to others before these issues escalate.
The implementation of MHFA training in Allambi Care not only supports the individual well-being of each worker but also enhances the overall work environment.
Neil states that when support workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage mental health issues, they are better prepared to cope with the emotional demands of their job. This preparedness leads to a more positive and resilient workforce, where staff feel confident in their ability to manage their mental health and that of their colleagues.
“An environment like this at Allambi, fosters a sense of safety and trust, encouraging open communication about mental health concerns without fear of stigma or discrimination.
“When support workers feel valued, supported, and empowered, they are more likely to engage positively with their clients, building stronger relationships and fostering better outcomes,” Neil says.
Laura agrees saying, that MHFA training helps reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues among support workers.
“In many workplaces, mental health is still a taboo subject, and individuals may feel reluctant to discuss their struggles or seek help."
“By promoting awareness and understanding of mental health conditions, Allambi Care helps break down these barriers, creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture. This cultural shift not only benefits the support workers but also sets a positive example for the clients they serve, encouraging open discussions about mental health and well-being,” Laura says.
The role of MHFA in Allambi Care also extends to enhancing the organisation's compliance with legal and ethical responsibilities.
Support workers are often faced with challenging situations that require immediate and appropriate responses. MHFA training ensures that these workers are equipped to handle mental health crises effectively and ethically, meeting the standards of care expected in such settings.
Laura says that by prioritising the mental health of its workforce, Allambi Care demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of both its staff and clients, reinforcing its reputation as a compassionate and responsible care provider.
Mental Health First Aid is a vital component of the support system for workers at Allambi Care. By equipping support workers with the skills and knowledge to recognise and address mental health issues, MHFA promotes a healthier, more resilient workforce. This, in turn, enhances the quality of care provided to clients, creating a positive and supportive environment for all.
The integration of MHFA into the training and development of support workers at Allambi Care reflects the organisation's commitment to holistic care, reducing stigma, and fostering a culture of openness and support.
Allambi Care has undertaken a huge effort to provide training to staff in supervisory positions across the organisation and is on track by the end of the year to have trained approximately 80 staff across all of our programs in MHFA. It is Allambi’s intention to continue to provide this training more broadly in the future.
Neil says, “The greatest asset of Allambi Care is its people, and MHFA is an investment in their well-being and success.”
