Compulsory mental health first-aid in workplaces a step closer to becoming law

Following our Where’s Your Head At? campaign

Author: Laura ThorntonPublished 23rd Mar 2021
Last updated 12th May 2021

‘Where’s Your Head At?' is our campaign to drive parity between mental and physical health at work and college. Our campaign continues to raise awareness of a call for a mentally healthier working world and our quest for mental health first-aiders in workplaces is one step closer to becoming law.

Compulsory mental health first-aid in every workplace is a step closer to becoming law as Dean Russell MP (Watford) and Where’s Your Head At? Ambassador introduced his Parliamentary Bill.

WATCH: Dean Russell MP tells Parliament why the new Bill should become law

Dean Russell said, "Ensuring the mental wellbeing of our nation is essential. This Bill will help individuals, but also makes sense for businesses when considering productivity, and it makes sense nationally when considering the economic cost of reported mental-health related absence. If every workplace has a mental health first aider, we can ensure early signposting, guidance and support is available to boost the nation’s mental wellbeing.”

The Bill is designed to make mental health first-aid part of first-aid training requirements in workplaces as well as in wider society. If successful, employers and colleagues could play a part in spotting symptoms, signposting people to further help, or simply just listening.

The Bill follows a Change petition created by Where’s Your Head At?, an initiative set up by Bauer Media UK, Mental Health First Aid England and Natasha Devon MBE to raise awareness of mental health.

Lucie Cave, our Chief Content Officer, said, “We are so pleased to announce that Dean is now an official Ambassador of Where’s Your Head At? and is introducing this new Bill to make mental health first-aid part of first-aid training requirements in the workplace.

“Mental health is such an important topic and is in fact the single biggest cost of disability in the UK. As it’s been a year since the first lockdown it is now more crucial than ever to create this support – approximately half of the population have increased anxiety following lockdown, with 1 in 8 experiencing panic and 1 in 6 feeling hopeless.”

Figures provided to Dean reveal an estimated 1,883,442 workers reported mental health-related absence in 2020 – about 5.8% of the UK workforce.

The NHS has spent around £14 billion on mental health, learning disability and dementia during the Covid pandemic (2020/21). During the same period, some 1.2 million people have been in contact with mental health services over the same time.

MPs debated making mental health provision in workplaces a legal requirement during the Ten-Minute Rule Bill on the 23rd March and it passed through to a second reading without a single objection.

How can I find help if I need it or if someone I know needs help?

If you are struggling yourself or are worried about a friend then we have provided a list of places you can turn to for advice or help, including in your local area.

For help in your local area, please go to our map and click ‘get help in your area’ or direct to hubofhope.co.uk.

Samaritans (available 24/7), samaritans.org, phone 116 123 or online chat.

Childline (24 hours), childline.org.uk, phone 0800 11 11 or online chat.

MIND (Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm), mind.org.uk, phone 0300 123 3393.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24 hours), nationaldahelpline.org.uk, phone 0808 2000 247.

CALM – helpline for men (Every day 5pm to midnight), thecalmzone.net, 0800 58 58 58 or online chat.

Switchboard LGBQ+ - switchboard.lgbt, helpline 0300 330 0630.

Cruse Bereavement Helpline (Mon & Fri 9.30am to 5pm / Tues, Wed, Thurs 9.30am to 8pm), cruse.org.uk, 0808 808 1677.

Or click here for more: wheresyourheadat.org

Simple ways to be kind:

Say "Hello"

Whether it's to family or your partner as you get home or to people you're speaking to at work (or even online working). Don't just go from task to task. Take the time to greet people.

Say "Please" and "Thank you"

It might sound obvious but when we're busy it's an easy one to forget. We all know how annoying it is when somebody doesn't do this to us, yet it's one of the things we might let slip so easily.

Take the time to listen

We've all done it, we have something to say back and we just can't wait to jump in and have our turn, so much so we end up tuning out of what's just been said. Take the time to listen that bit harder to people who are talking to you.

Turn off lights, water and plugs

This will save resources not just for the planet but for your pocket too!

Take the time to recycle

You can do the bit to help save money and save the planet by taking the time to wash out that jar or plastic container that you've used and send it to somewhere better than the rubbish tip.

Aim to message at least one of your friends every day and ask them how they are.

If you've not spoken to someone for a while, ask if you can give them a call or arrange to see them. Think about all that's happened in your life lately and try and catch up with a friend to find out about their life too.

Take time to reconnect with the older generation

Even if you don't live nearby your older relatives try giving them a video call, phone call, or letter. Of course we're sure they'd love a visit too.

Donate unwanted items or to charity

Cash for Kids supports children and young people affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limiting illness and those who have additional needs. Visit the Cash for Kids website.
If you have items that you know are too good to throw away but that you'll never use, then consider donating them as your old stuff can become someone's new stuff!

We all have a Mental Health

Help us make a difference and commit to doing something kind by adding a pledge to our interactive map. Being kind has other benefits too – not only does it make others feel better, it gives our brains feel good endorphins (sometimes called 'helpers high') so there's no excuse not to #pledgekindness! Pledge your act of kindness here.

Give a gift with no expectation of something in return.

Whether it's your BFF, family, partner or just a friend you want to make feel special, spend some pennies or hand-make a gift for someone you love. Who says presents have to be just for special occasions?

Now read:

Mental health matters: Here's where to get help and advice for you and others

Sign our pledge kindness map

How to listen to heat radio:

If your favourite music icons are the Spice Girls and your favourite Ks are Kylie and the Kardashians, you need heat Radio in your life! heat Radio is portable, so you can listen to us on the move. Simply download our app from your phone’s app store, listen online at heatradio.com and at heatworld.com. We’re on all the smart speakers too, just say “play heat Radio".