Strengthening Mental Health Support Through MHFA Training

Meet Ryan: Strengthening Mental Health Support Through MHFA Training

At Pickerings, we’re proud to have dedicated mental health first aiders based at our Head Office and Depots, who are there to support. By bringing together diversity and inclusion with health and wellbeing, we hope to drive positive transformation in workplace mental health and performance.

That’s why we’re shining a spotlight on Ryan, our Training Manager, who has recently completed a level 3 qualification in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). We caught up with him to find out what inspired him to take the course and what he learned along the way.

Q&A with Ryan

First of all, congratulations on completing your qualification in MHFA! What made you decide to take the course?

As the Training Manager at Pickerings, it’s important for me to stay connected to all different levels of training across the business. I wanted to ensure I had a solid understanding of Mental Health First Aid so I could better support our teams and lead by example.

Why do you think Mental Health First Aid is important in the workplace?

We spend a huge amount of time at work – often more than we do at home – so it’s essential that the workplace feels safe and supportive. Having Mental Health First Aid in place provides a kind of safety blanket for employees. It reassures people that there is someone they can turn to if they’re struggling.

What was the course like?

It was really engaging and completely non-judgemental. I found it eye-opening, particularly learning about the diverse range of mental health conditions and how they can affect people in different ways.

Was there anything that surprised you during the training?

I was pleasantly surprised by my own natural ability to listen and support others. The course also reinforced a lot of what I already knew, but helped structure that knowledge in a more practical and effective way.

How do you feel now that you’ve completed the qualification?

I feel much better equipped to support people. The assessment process really helped affirm my knowledge and gave me greater confidence in my ability to step in and support someone who may be struggling.

What would you say to someone considering MHFA training?

I’d say make sure you’re in a good position yourself to offer support without it negatively impacting your own wellbeing. Setting clear boundaries is really important. That said, the training gives you the confidence and tools to support others in a meaningful way, and I’d highly recommend it.

Ryan’s commitment to expanding his knowledge shows how seriously we take wellbeing at Pickerings. By investing in Mental Health First Aid training, we’re continuing to build a supportive environment where both physical and mental health matter.