Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Fire service staff can access trained peer support to help manage mental health struggles as part of their workplace care.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a workplace support initiative designed to provide fire service staff with access to trained peer support when facing mental health struggles.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically for staff members working within the fire service. It is designed for those performing the physically demanding and high-pressure duties inherent to the role, such as those managing shift work and the intense physical requirements of fire and rescue operations.
What you get
Through this scheme, you receive access to trained peer support. These are individuals who have been trained to recognize and respond to mental health struggles, providing a layer of support within your professional community. This can include specialized peer support frameworks, such as TRiM, to help you manage the mental health challenges that can arise from your service.
What it costs you
There is no financial cost to you for accessing this support. This is provided as part of your employer's workplace duty of care, meaning it is an integrated part of the health and safety support provided to you by your service.
The catch to know
The primary challenge with this support is the social stigma that often surrounds mental health issues. This stigma can frequently prevent individuals from reaching out to their peers or seeking help in the early stages of a struggle, which may make the process more difficult than it needs to be.
How to apply
- Contact your direct supervisor or your workplace's human resources department to express your interest in mental health support.
- Inquire specifically about the availability of trained peer support or TRiM services within your particular fire and rescue service.
- Follow your service's internal protocols and procedures to be connected with a trained mental health supporter.