IOSH Mental Health First Aid at Work

This DIXONTECH course, aligned with IOSH standards, provides participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills to identify, understand, and support colleagues experiencing mental health challenges in the workplace. It emphasizes early intervention, empathetic communication, and crisis response to create psychologically safe and healthy work environments. Participants will learn how to recognize symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, promote wellbeing, and build a culture of care and resilience within organizations.

TRAINING TOPICS

• Understanding Mental Health and Wellbeing at Work

• Recognizing Early Signs and Risk Factors

• Communication, Listening, and Supportive Response Skills

• Crisis Management and Emergency Intervention

• Promoting Positive Mental Health and Resilience

BY THE END OF THIS TRAINING COURSE, DELEGATES WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Recognize and respond to mental health warning signs

• Provide immediate and appropriate workplace support

• Encourage open dialogue and reduce stigma

• Apply IOSH mental health first aid principles

• Promote resilience and wellbeing at work

• Create a psychologically safe workplace culture

• Support early intervention and recovery processes

TRAINING IS TAILORED TO:

• HR and Occupational Health Professionals

• Managers and Team Leaders

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Coordinators

• Workplace Mentors and Counselors

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Staff

• Supervisors and Line Managers

• Anyone responsible for staff wellbeing

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

This DIXONTECH training uses a participatory approach, combining interactive discussions, case studies, and role-playing exercises. Participants will analyze workplace scenarios, practice supportive conversations, and explore stress management techniques. The course includes self-assessment tools and guided reflection to promote practical application and continuous mental health awareness.

DAY 1

Understanding Workplace Mental Health

• Defining mental health and wellbeing at work

• The link between stress, burnout, and productivity

• Common workplace mental health disorders explained

• Myths and misconceptions about mental illness

• Legal and ethical responsibilities under IOSH standards

• Organizational costs of poor mental health management

• Introduction to mental health first aid principles

DAY 2

Recognizing Early Signs and Risk Factors

• Identifying behavioural, emotional, and physical symptoms

• Triggers and workplace risk factors for poor mental health

• Recognizing stress indicators across different job roles

• Understanding the impact of workload, change, and conflict

• Assessing team morale and psychological safety levels

• Tools for early detection and documentation

• Case study: managing early signs of anxiety at work

DAY 3

Effective Communication and Supportive Response

• Building active listening and empathy skills

• Conducting sensitive conversations with distressed employees

• Providing immediate psychological first aid

• Managing confidentiality and trust boundaries

• Supporting colleagues through performance challenges

• Role-play: responding to a mental health disclosure

• Building supportive peer networks in the workplace

DAY 4

Crisis Management and Emergency Response

• Recognizing crisis indicators: self-harm and panic episodes

• Immediate response protocols and referral pathways

• Collaboration with medical and HR professionals

• Managing critical incidents and trauma at work

• Handling emotional distress in the workplace environment

• Developing a crisis support checklist and action plan

• Simulation: responding to a workplace mental health emergency

DAY 5

Promoting Positive Mental Health and Resilience

• Building wellbeing strategies into organizational culture

• Implementing wellness policies and employee engagement programs

• Stress management and mindfulness techniques at work

• Encouraging peer support and mentoring initiatives

• Measuring wellbeing outcomes with key performance indicators

• Sustaining resilience through leadership and training

• Workshop: designing a workplace mental health framework