Mental Health Awareness Week

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, to commemorate the week we thought we would interview some of our Mental Health First Aiders. Mental Health First Aiders are colleagues who are trained in listening and supporting colleagues who need emotional support. They're not counsellors or therapists, but they are able to listen, support, and, if needed, help direct colleagues to get the help they need.

Today we are interviewing Paul Keithley, Head of Customer Services for Arriva UK Bus.

What made you want to become a Mental Health First Aider?

I wanted to be a mental health first aider so I could be the initial point of contact for a person who is experiencing emotional distress in order to help them gain the support they need.  Sadly, I have known people who have taken their own lives and I can’t help thinking that they may be alive today if the stigma surrounding mental health had not existed, and mental health support had been readily available in their workplaces.  

What did you learn through your training?

We covered ways to support people experiencing a variety of mental ill-health conditions such as anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. I learned that it is important to look out for the signs of mental ill-health and to approach someone to make sure they are ok. I also learned how to actively listen, in a non-judgemental and empathetic way, without offering solutions. This is to allow a person to fully express how they are feeling and feel valued and heard.  Finally, I learned how to signpost a person to gain the support they need when they are experiencing a mental health crisis. 

How have you used your training within your current role at Arriva?

Since my training, I have used the tools provided in my role at work to support colleagues by providing a safe and confidential space to talk about their feelings. The training was especially useful during the pandemic as several people were suffering from anxiety due to the uncertainty it created. 

What are your top tips for other employees to be mindful of during Mental Health Awareness Week?

It is important to be alert to spot changes in people, and if they are not themselves, ask them if they are ok. When speaking with them you can show that you care by focusing on the person, making eye contact with them and removing distractions such as turning your mobile phone off.  It is important to be patient as a person may not feel comfortable about sharing their thoughts and feelings at first. Using open questions can help, such as tell me more? Not interrupting and allowing silence can also help the person to process their thoughts and repeating back what you have heard shows that you are interested and that you have listened.  

At Arriva, we take well-being seriously and seeking help is often the first step toward getting and staying well, but it can be hard to know how to start or where to turn to. 

Visit Mind's website to read their guide on taking the first steps, making empowered decisions and getting the right support for you or someone close to you: www.mind.org.uk/information-support/