CC Content Director Nicola Macdonald becomes Mental Health First Aider
We’re happy to announce that Collaborative Creations Content Director Nicola Macdonald (pictured left) has qualified as a Mental Health First Aider following a two-day course certified by Mental Health First Aid England and run by Point3Wellbeing.
The Mental Health First Aid Program began in Australia in 2000 and has since evolved into a global movement, now being adopted and delivered in 24 countries. To date, over 4 million people worldwide have been trained.
The purpose of the course is to equip as many people as possible with the knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in others, whether that’s in the workplace, in an educational setting or in their personal lives.
While it is important to emphasise that Mental Health First Aiders aren’t medical professionals, they can function as an important first point of contact and first line of defence against escalating mental health problems in those around them.
Macdonald commented: “Collaborative Creations work predominantly in the creative and events industries, which were notoriously stressful working environments – with long hours and high levels of intensity and pressure – even before the added weight of the CoViD-19 pandemic.
“I was thrilled to have the opportunity to complete the MHFA England course and gain a valuable insight into some of the warning signs of mental health problems in addition to a greater understanding of the breadth and depth of the mental health continuum.
“It’s important to acknowledge that everyone has a certain level of mental health in the same way that everyone has a level of physical health, and indeed the two are far more interlinked that it might sometimes appear. Someone with no diagnosed mental disorders can suffer from poor mental health due to any number of factors including bereavement, stress or family problems. Equally, someone with a diagnosed mental disorder can live an incredibly active, positive and fulfilled life.
“I see the completion of the MHFA course as the beginning of a journey to greater understanding of mental health and one I’m excited to continue.”
To learn more about Mental Health First Aid England or to find upcoming courses head to https://mhfaengland.org/.