Become a Mental Health First Aider with MMI

This October, our Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) is once again offering veterinary professionals the opportunity to become Mental Health First Aiders to help support the mental health of their friends and colleagues. 

There are currently two different courses being made available – one open course for all within the professions (delivered and certified by Mental Health First Aid England), and one for those specifically living or working in Northern Ireland (delivered by the Northern Ireland depression charity, Aware). Online courses for veterinary professionals living and working specifically in Wales and Scotland will be made available in early 2025. All courses will be partially subsidised by MMI and cost £95 per person for the two days. 

Both courses will run for two full days and will take place online, on Tuesday 8 October and Tuesday 15 October from approximately 9am to 5pm. The courses are open to all members of the veterinary professions, including veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, students, receptionists and practice managers. Upon completion, participants will become fully certified Mental Health First Aiders. 

MMI Lead, Rapinder Newton, said: “Having already successfully run an in-person Mental Health First Aid course earlier in the year, we were keen to provide greater accessibility by bringing the course online and opening it up to more members of the professions across all four home nations. 

“The course is ideal for individuals looking to gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health, to be confident in starting a conversation with someone who might be struggling, and to learn how to signpost to appropriate support.

“The course is ideal for individuals looking to gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health, to be confident in starting a conversation with someone who might be struggling, and to learn how to signpost to appropriate support."

“As our network of veterinary Mental Health First Aiders continues to grow, we are proud to see the impact that is being had – the more veterinary professionals we can support to become Mental Health First Aiders, the more people will be able to easily access support as and when they need it most.” 

Anyone wishing to find out more or to sign up to attend the course to become a certified Mental Health First Aider should do so by visiting the MMI events page, where both courses are listed. Alternatively, you can head directly to the dedicated Eventbrite pages for both the open course and the Northern Ireland course. Please note that there are limited places available on the courses, so it is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment. Registrations close at 11.59pm BST on 9 September 2024, or once the courses are full.