SHELTER has used both the MHFA 2 day course and the MH Awareness 1 day course for their staff in a number of locations and continue to work with MHS to fulfill their training needs in the mental health field.
Staff were from different locations and were supporting different client groups; e.g. the elderly in one area, domestic violence in another. They were all support workers from 3 levels of seniority. Staff appraisals had identified a need for support in the mental health field and there had been an increase in incidents involving mental health difficulties which in some cases had led to sickness and stress.
Staff feedback has been hugely positive about both courses, indicating there has been improved confidence and staff are putting into practice what they have learned.
These excellent courses also help the organisation when tendering for contracts as they can show staff are well trained and more capable. This reflects well on the employer.
An added advantage of using MHS is that the trainer, Bernie Graham, will travel to most locations and provide the training in-house. SHELTER’s staff are scattered at many locations so it is difficult to co-ordinate training in one central location and can involve staff having to be out of the office for what can sometimes amount to 3-4 days at a time. This is clearly more disruptive and escalates the costs involved. With MHS there is just one fee for each course, much more cost effective than a per delegate fee, plus the cost of manuals. Very good value for money which is very important in the current financial climate.
Both courses offered by MHS are excellent and meet all the stated objectives. Feedback from staff was hugely positive and they are putting into practice what they have learned to very good effect. Highly recommended