PML to widen training in mental first aid to raise awareness

Logistics provider PML is addressing mental health head-on and training line managers to create a healthier workplace.

It said 10 members of staff had recently attended a course run by training provider Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and it was looking to train more employees to ensure mental first aid becomes as important as physical first aid.

The course focused on learning how to spot an employee experiencing mental ill health; how to manage and support them at work, while they are off sick and then when they return to work; and also advice on how to prevent the early symptoms of mental ill health escalating into a major illness.

MHFA said one in four people will experience a mental health issue in any given year and the charity MentalHealth.org said one in eight men have experienced a common health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder.

Men aged 40-49 also record the highest suicide rates in the UK.

Imrana Giannotto (pictured), PML HR manager, said: “The course has proved really beneficial by providing solid practical advice to help us spot the tell-tale signs that an employee’s mental health is being tested – and most importantly, to put in place practices and procedures to avert a situation resulting in a fellow colleague suffering a genuine mental health condition. “Noticing the little things like withdrawal from regular conversation, lack of cooperation, presenteeism, frequent complaints of being tired all the time, these can all point to a person not coping and needing support.

“One of the strengths of the company has always been its genuine commitment to staff welfare and we believe that our industry needs to be more open about the need to discuss mental wellbeing.

“The training has opened our eyes to the importance of this and we are now looking at training further staff to ensure mental first aid becomes as important as physical first aid within our business.”