Leading complex care provider, Exemplar Health Care, has achieved a new milestone in its commitment to colleague wellbeing, with over 100 trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) now active across its care homes.
The organisation has steadily increased the number of colleagues who are trained in mental health first aid over recent years, and this month, welcomed its latest cohort of qualified MHFAs, bringing the total number of trained colleagues to 104.
Each of Exemplar Health Care’s 56 homes now have at least one designated MHFA, with some larger homes benefitting from up to four trained colleagues to ensure comprehensive support for teams.
With four additional training sessions scheduled for the next year, Exemplar Health Care expects to add a further 64 MHFAs, reinforcing its dedication to supporting mental health at every level of the organisation.
Alan Dalzell, Deputy Head of Behavioural Support and Mental Health, and MHFA Manager, reflected on the journey:
“Back in 2019, our very first group of six colleagues trained as MHFAs. Today, we celebrate surpassing the century mark. Some of those original team members are still with us, and I’d like to extend my deepest thanks for nearly six years of dedication to their colleagues. Their guidance, advice, and signposting to external resources such as GPs and online mental health services have had a profound impact.”
Since its introduction, the MHFA team has provided confidential support to over 1,300 colleagues, assisting those experiencing difficulties in both their work and personal lives.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, MHFAs played a particularly crucial role, making almost 100 contacts per month, when the need for mental health resources was at an all-time high.
Selina Wall, Managing Director of Exemplar Health Care, commented on this achievement:
“We shouldn’t underestimate the significance of having a trained MHFA in every one of our homes, providing a vital safe space for colleagues to seek support when they need it most.
“I feel incredibly proud to be part of a team that cares not only for the people living in our homes, but also for each other. This is a fantastic milestone, and one we should all take the time to recognise and celebrate.”
As Exemplar Health Care continues to grow, so too does its commitment to enhancing mental health support. The organisation is already looking ahead to its next milestones – aiming for 150, and then 200 trained MHFAs – alongside its other wellbeing initiatives which include an online wellbeing centre, 24/7 employee assistance programme with free counselling sessions, and money management tools.
