Recently, I had the chance to complete a Mental Health First Aid course, which Bucks & Berks fully funded and supported, and what started as a nomination quickly became something far more meaningful to me, both personally and professionally.

I’d love to share my journey with you here, along with some details about our exciting, upcoming wellbeing rewards scheme!

How the journey began…

The opportunity came about as part of a wider initiative to offer something different to a select group of clients, and I was nominated to take part as a representative for Bucks & Berks.

I’ve got to be honest, mental health was never something I thought too much about. I had existed in my own little bubble and was overall quite content with how things were…

However, I’m so glad I took the chance to embark on this course – I’ve learned so many valuable things and it’s opened my eyes to a lot of issues that people may face without making it apparent.

What the training involved

The course was delivered across four three-hour online sessions, led by Melissa Gale alongside a small group of participants from different organisations.

Melissa was exceptional! As an Accredited Trainer with MHFA England, her knowledge and expertise really stood out to me, but what made the experience truly memorable was the way she delivered the course with such passion, sensitivity, and authenticity.

She created such a safe and engaging environment that everyone felt comfortable to share their thoughts and feelings.

I also really appreciated the flexibility of the course. Being able to attend outside of the standard working week and join online from home made it so much easier to fit around other commitments – while still feeling fully connected and involved!

I would highly recommend both Melissa and the training to any individual or organisation looking to prioritise mental health in a meaningful and accessible way.

Key things I learned

One of the biggest takeaways for me was just how broad mental health really is!

Learning about conditions like psychosis – how common they are and far less dramatised than they tend to be in films and TV – was particularly eye-opening. It challenged a lot of preconceptions that I wasn’t even aware I had.

Some of my other key takeaways include:

• Feeling better prepared to respond in a mental health crisis – not perfectly, but with the confidence to try!
• Discovering Hub of Hope, a valuable resource for signposting people to professional support
• Understanding that you don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers in order to make a difference

Sometimes, all it takes is a willingness to be open – to sit down and listen to someone who needs support.

Bringing it into the workplace

In a people-focused industry like recruitment, understanding mental health is so important.

As a temps consultant, I work closely with candidates and clients every day. This training has helped me feel more equipped to recognise when someone might be struggling, approach conversations with empathy and kindness, and offer support where needed.

In a way it’s similar to physical first aid – you might not be able to fix everything, but you can be there to provide any support you can. And that matters more than you think!

One of the most practical skills I developed was active listening. It’s about picking up on small changes in behaviour or tone and having the confidence to check in. Sometimes, simply asking “are you okay?” can open the door to a much-needed conversation!

The role of employers

This experience wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Bucks & Berks, who funded and implemented the training, and overall encouraged me to take it.

More broadly, I believe companies are making progress when it comes to wellbeing. Awareness is growing, and more support is becoming available. While larger organisations often have more resources, SMEs are increasingly recognising the importance of prioritising mental health too, offering things such as wellbeing days and overall, just being more aware of mental health and the impact it can have on someone’s work, which is very encouraging to see.

Introducing… Rewarding Wellness

Following the course, I wanted to build on that momentum in a simple but meaningful way – and that’s why we came up with Rewarding Wellness!

The idea was to create a wellbeing rewards scheme that encourages people to recognise others who might be having a difficult time, while also celebrating those who continue to show up and do their best.

Each quarter, one nominee will receive a small wellbeing treat – something simple, to encourage them to take a moment for themselves and recharge.

If you think someone can do with a wellbeing treat, nominate them today! 

What wellbeing looks like to me

For me, good wellbeing isn’t complicated at all.

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. It can be something as simple as going outside for a walk or a run, whether it’s rain or shine. It’s about finding a bit of quiet time for myself in a busy house (full of pets and children!) and having the time and space to reset and recharge.

A final thought…

Mental health awareness is less about having all the answers and more about being open, being present, and being willing to listen.

If someone is struggling but unsure about speaking up, the most important thing is that they know support is there when they’re ready – whether that’s through someone they trust or resources like Hub of Hope.

So, if you’re in a position to support others, even in a small way, it can make a real difference!

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