Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid

Course dates: Tuesday 7 & Tuesday 14 November 2024

Application deadline: Monday 21 October 2024, 0900

Even though 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life, most of us know very little about mental health. There is lots of evidence to prove that early intervention can help slow down or stop a mental health problem, yet we often don’t spot signs that someone is struggling until very late. People often lack the insight to realise they need help or that help is available, and most people don’t know how to respond when someone is experiencing a mental health problem.

This intensive 2-day training course will provide delegates with a clear understanding and practical application of Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid skills.

Mental Health issues are common:

> 1 in 4 adults will experience a serious mental health problem in their lives

> 1 in 10 people at any one time have mixed anxiety and depression

> 1 in 5 older people has depression

> Suicide is the leading cause of death in young people under 35

Why Mental Health First Aid is Important:

> Mental health problems are common

> There is stigma around mental health problems

> Many people are not well information about mental health or mental health problems

> Professional help is not always on hand

> People may lack the insight to realise that they need help or that help is available

> Most people often do not know how to respond

The course aims to equip individuals to:

> Preserve life

> Provide help to prevent the mental health problem or crisis developing into a more serious state

> Promote the recovery of good mental health

> Provide comfort to a person experiencing distress

> Promote understanding of mental health issues

SMHFA training participants will learn:

> How to apply the 5 steps of SMHFA

> How to respond if you believe someone is at risk of suicide

> How to give immediate help until professional help is available

> What to say and do in a crisis

> The importance of good listening skills

> Practice listening and responding

> Understanding recovery from mental health problems

> Understanding the connection between mental health problems and alcohol, drugs, and discrimination

> Some basic information about common mental health problems

> Self help information.

Who is this course for?

We’re targeting practitioners working in scripted production and are particularly keen for supervisors and HODs who have team management responsibilities to apply for this course.

Tutor:

Trainer, Paul Burnside, has worked as a relationship counsellor, trained as a Supervisor in 2000 and became a trainer on the Diploma in Relationship Counselling programme as well as training on the COSCA counselling skills. He has been involved in the development of a Diploma and the MSc in Relationship Counselling with The Spark in collaboration with Persona. He is currently working for a young person’s counselling service called Rookie Minds where he is both a trainer and a counsellor. He has been delivering mental health training for the last 10 years.

Eligibility:

This session is specifically for established film and television practitioners based in Scotland. Please only apply if you meet this criteria. BECTU opportunities for those in other areas of the UK can be found here: England, Wales.

> Applicants should be based and working freelance in film and television in Scotland.

> Students are not eligible for this training.

Selection:

> As this is a workshop style course, there are a limited number of spaces available to allow participants the opportunity to interact and ask questions.

> Priority for spaces will be given to eligible BECTU members.

> If more BECTU members apply than spaces available, places will be given to those who demonstrate the greatest professional need for this training.

> Places are provided free of charge but are worth a considerable amount. Please only apply if you can commit to attending the session.

> We have a travel fund to support anyone who may need help with travel costs.