Why Mental Health First Aid Matters
In Communites
As a Mental Health First Aid England facilitator and trainer, I believe that lasting change starts within communities. While professional services are vital, they are often overstretched—and not always the first place people turn when they’re struggling. By embedding mental health awareness and practical support skills into schools, workplaces, and local networks, we empower everyday people to recognise signs of distress, offer support early, and reduce stigma. Mental Health First Aid training builds confident, compassionate communities where mental wellbeing is everyone's business—not just the responsibility of professionals.
Sarah Frazer - Balanced Futures
There are many reasons why Mental Health First Aid is needed, including that:
Poor mental health is common
There is stigma associated with poor mental health
Many people are not well informed
Professional support isn’t always available straight away
Becoming more informed challenges the status quo,
reducing negative societal attitudes
Raising awareness helps us to spot indicators someone is struggling
Developing skills to support people encourages early interventions
and can prevent escalation, can get earlier help
Why is Mental Health First Aid needed?
Event One
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Testimonails
“Sarah worked with sensitivity, adaptability and great knowledgeability. I felt seen, heard and valued. I now feel far more confident and capable. Huge thanks.”
“The instructor was very good at judging when and how to intervene during discussions. The instructor dealt with disclosure of mental health issues in a very sensitive way.”
“I thought the case study where all 3 of us repeated the exercise and learnt from the others was most useful.”
“This course was very worthwhile. I learnt a huge amount from the other participants as well as from the course instructor. Less than a week on I have already been able to put my new skills into practice with much more confidence than I would have felt previously, and I'm sure my confidence will continue to increase.The course taught me a lot about looking after my own mental health and about boundaries too.”
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
“Very good to practice listening skills and motivational interviewing.”