What a journey!

I started working for myself back in 2014. Frustrated with the constraints of working for others and wanting to own my diary, I researched opportunities, pursuing a couple before settling with Mental Health First Aid as a course instructor. As I write this post, I have just booked my 220th course into the calendar. From those early classroom-only 2-day courses, I now offer a whole suite of adult and youth courses, both online and face-to-face, accredited by Mental Health First Aid England. It is a wonderful experience being part of the team, making a difference in England’s mental health and well-being.

Back in 2015, they had trained 1 person in 330 in mental health support skills and knowledge. As I write this post, the overall goal is 1 in 10, and we are at 1 in 45.

Once I gained sufficient experience, in April 2018, I was invited to join the bank of Associate Instructors, delivering work commissioned between clients and MHFA England. To better underpin my teaching and facilitation skills, I completed a level 4 certificate in Education and Training in June 2018.

By December 2018, I also became a National Trainer, basically training other MHFA England Instructor Members to deliver the MHFA England courses. To better support my ability to coach and mentor instructors in training, I completed a Level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in April 2022. I have participated in 14 train-the-trainer cohorts, mentoring more than eighty new instructors.

There have been countless short courses on mental health, young people, counselling, etc.

Why is all this important enough to mention – as an MHFA instructor, I am highly skilled and very experienced in improving your knowledge, skills and confidence to better support people affected by poor mental health.

To learn more – look at the MH Education and Training page here.

Or contact me here with your questions.