Office mental health first aid workers back calls for scheme to be rolled out
It comes as we launch our 'Where's Your Head At' campaign
Having a dedicated mental health first aider in a school or workplace DOES make a difference, according to one of the first people to do the job here in the North West.
Natasha Wild's from Wigan and is a mental health first aider for United Utilities.
She is backing our campaign to get a dedicated mental health first aider into every school and workplace across the country.
"It was always important for me to be able to help other people. It was always something that was missing in the business, we've got first aiders and while that's important to help with physical problems, work can be stressful and you need people to help you with that as well.
"There's business benefits too, people suffering might not be performing well in work and while that might not be the reason why I do it, you can see that it works.
"I've had people who've come to me at a crisis situation, and just to be able to calm them down and get them through that half an hour, sometimes that's all it takes.
"It is really rewarding to see it. Sometimes you point them in the direction of long term support and in just a couple of months they'll come to you and tell you that they have taken that next step.
"It's as important as having first aiders who are there if somebody collapses and hurts themselves, I don't see how it's any different with a mental health first aider."
To sign the petition: