By Tina Harrison, Mental Health First Aider, Elysium Healthcare
When I qualified as a Mental Health First Aider, it genuinely became one of my proudest moments. And the training and knowledge I received as part of becoming an MHFA has enabled me to not only support people inside of work, but also outside of work too. Completing the training has helped me gain the confidence and knowledge to support people.
I chose to get involved because I’ve been there myself. Like so many people, I’ve had times when my mental health wasn’t where it needed to be. I know what it’s like to not know where to turn. I didn’t want to burden my family or friends.
Those experiences made me realise how important it is to have someone, a colleague, friend, or family member, who is approachable and ready to listen. Talking can make such a huge difference. I wanted to become that person for someone else.
The MHFA course was two full days of honesty, emotion and connection. Our instructor help create a safe, supportive space where everyone felt able to share. It wasn’t easy—these are heavy subjects, real feelings and real experiences. But that’s what made it powerful.
When I qualified, I got my MHFA badge. That little badge means so much to me. It’s a symbol that says, “I’m here. I’m willing to listen.” And it’s something I wear with genuine pride.
Before the course, I don’t think I would have recognised the subtle signs that someone was struggling. Now, I see them more clearly, not just in colleagues, but in friends, family, even strangers.
That might be someone being quieter than usual, or a change in behaviour. It might be a comment that seems small but actually isn’t. The course taught me to notice, to approach gently, and to quietly say, “Are you okay? I’m here if you need someone.”
That’s the heart of being an MHFA, being approachable, being kind and giving people the space to talk. I originally thought no one would come to me, but some have and I feel so grateful that they trusted me enough to reach out.
One person even told me afterwards that our conversation “really helped”. Hearing that was one of the most rewarding moments I’ve had. It made me realise how powerful small acts of support can be.
What surprised me most is how much this role helps outside of work too. I’ve been able to support people in my personal life and signpost them to help I didn’t even know existed before the training.
Life can get hard, for all of us. No one is immune to difficult days, and there’s no shame in that. What matters is that we keep talking. Sometimes, it’s easier to open up to someone you don’t know well, someone who won’t judge, who isn’t personally involved, who can just listen. And that’s exactly what MHFA is all about.
On Time to Talk Day, I want to help spread the message that everyone goes through something, and there is absolutely no reason to struggle in silence. The more we talk, the more the stigma fades.
I’m always on the end of a phone, a Teams call, or a chat in the hallway. And I hope anyone who needs to talk knows that they can reach out—not just today, but any day.