You are not alone: Mental health awareness training

Christmas and New Year can be a challenging time for many people for a variety of reasons. Even though people may be out at work events and with friends and surrounded by people, they can still need someone to talk to.

If someone tells you they are finding things difficult or struggling, would you know what to say to them or tell them where they can go for further help?

Guernsey Mind are launching a ‘You are not alone’ campaign to run from the end of November till the end of the year. The campaign will comprise of information boards, posters, stickers and cards which will be distributed island wide with information about who people can contact if they need support.

As part of this campaign, Guernsey Mind will also be launching some free mental health awareness training. This training is perfect for those in roles that frequently involve interaction with people, such as:

• Hairdressers,
• Barbers,
• Beauty Therapists,
• Physical Therapists,
• Taxi Drivers,
• Hospitality Staff,
• Retail Staff, and
• Sports Coaches.

Jo Cottell, Chief Executive of Guernsey Mind, said “We all know how important it is to talk, but sometimes it is difficult to know what to say or how to react, especially if someone tells you they are struggling or having a tough time. Our special 1.5-hour awareness training session will cover common signs and symptoms of poor mental health, offer guidance on listening skills, and provide tips on what to say to someone who opens up to you. Most importantly, we’ll guide you on where to direct them for further support. We’re delighted to offer this training free of charge to anyone who regularly engages with people and feels they could benefit from further knowledge.”