Course Overview
This course prepares employees, team leads, and HR professionals across African workplaces to become effective first responders in mental health situations. It provides practical workplace mental health first responder training tailored to local contexts and resource availability. Participants will learn how to support colleagues with mental health issues, recognize signs of mental distress at work, and apply first aid for psychological well-being in offices. The training emphasizes early intervention for mental health in the workplace through culturally sensitive, proactive support techniques.
Course Duration
5 Days
Target Audience
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HR and Wellbeing Officers
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Mental Health Champions
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Health & Safety Teams
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Team Leaders and Managers
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Employee Support Committees
Course Level: Foundational to Intermediate
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Identify early warning signs of common mental health conditions
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Provide immediate, non-clinical support to affected colleagues
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Promote psychological safety and reduce stigma at work
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Understand mental health first aid principles tailored to organizational cultures
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Take appropriate action and refer individuals to professional help
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1: Introduction to Workplace Mental Health and First Aid
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What is mental health first aid?
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The need for workplace mental health first responder training
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Mental health stigma and cultural beliefs
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Case Study: First responder scenarios in corporate and NGO settings
Module 2: Recognizing Mental Distress in the Workplace
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Recognizing signs of mental distress at work
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Common workplace triggers (stress, isolation, trauma, etc.)
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Understanding depression, anxiety, burnout, and substance use
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Role play: Spotting signs and initiating conversations
Module 3: Supporting Colleagues with Mental Health Issues
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How to support colleagues with mental health issues
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Listening without judgment
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Responding with empathy and discretion
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Dos and don'ts in high-pressure scenarios
Module 4: Providing Psychological First Aid in Office Settings
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“First aid for psychological well-being in offices”
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The ABC model: Approach, Befriend, Connect
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Immediate steps before professional help is available
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Real-life simulation: Responding to a mental health crisis at work
Module 5: Early Intervention, Referral, and Workplace Integration
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Early intervention for mental health in the workplace
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Creating referral networks: EAPs, NGOs, community mental health providers
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Integrating MHFA into workplace safety and health plans
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Final Exercise: Mental Health First Aid checklist and referral protocol design
Customized Training
This training can be tailored to your institution needs and delivered at a location of your choice upon request.
Requirements
Participants need to be proficient in English.
Training Fee
The fee covers tuition, training materials, refreshments, lunch, and study visits. Participants are responsible for their own travel, visa, insurance, and personal expenses.
Certification
A certificate from Ideal Workplace Solutions is awarded upon successful completion.
Accommodation
Accommodation can be arranged upon request. Contact via email for reservations.
Payment
Payment should be made before the training starts, with proof of payment sent to outreach@idealworkplacesolutions.org.
For further inquiries, please contact us on details below:
