Mental health issues are now the leading cause of workplace sickness absence in the UK. With stress, anxiety and depression accounting for nearly half of all work-related illnesses, supporting employee wellbeing has shifted from being a nice-to-have to a business-critical priority. Forward-thinking organisations recognise that early intervention and proactive support save money, reduce absenteeism, improve engagement, and protect reputation. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is a key part of this strategy.
The Business Case for Mental Health First Aid The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires employers to safeguard their staff’s mental as well as physical health. Beyond compliance, there is a compelling commercial reason to act: poor mental health costs UK employers around £45 billion each year in lost productivity, absenteeism and turnover. Investing in mental health training delivers a strong return, with Deloitte estimating that for every £1 spent, employers see £5 back in improved outcomes. Training staff in mental health awareness and support is not just ethically right, it is financially smart.
Understanding MHFA England Accreditation Mental Health First Aid training equips employees to spot early warning signs of mental health struggles, approach conversations with confidence and empathy, and guide colleagues towards appropriate professional help. MHFA England accreditation ensures the training is based on the latest evidence, best practices and is recognised across industries. It is the gold standard for mental health training in UK workplaces.
GBS Corporate’s MHFA Training Options At GBS Corporate, we offer three accredited pathways to suit your organisation's needs:
- Mental Health First Aid Introduction Course: A perfect starting point for organisations seeking to build awareness of mental health issues. This course provides a high-level understanding of mental health, common conditions, and how to create a supportive work environment. Ideal for raising basic awareness across teams.
- One-Day Mental Health First Aid Awareness Course: Designed for employees at all levels, this course builds deeper understanding, removes stigma, and gives practical tools to support colleagues. Suitable for companies wanting to raise baseline mental health competence across their workforce.
- Two-Day Mental Health First Aid Qualification: This comprehensive course certifies participants as official Mental Health First Aiders, able to act as designated support points within the organisation. It is perfect for businesses who want an embedded mental health support network to complement their HR and wellbeing policies.
Please note, these courses can be delivered as virtual instructor-led training (VILT), face to face, or with a blend of both formats. We will customise the content and duration in line with your learning and development requirements.
Benefits of Implementing MHFA Training Bringing MHFA-trained staff into your organisation delivers wide-reaching benefits, including:
- Improved employee wellbeing, loyalty and morale
- Early identification of mental health challenges
- Lower absenteeism and presenteeism rates
- A more inclusive, supportive, and resilient workplace culture
- Compliance with legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Equality Act
Why Partner with GBS Corporate? GBS Corporate is a trusted provider of accredited workplace training, known for our expertise, flexibility, and client-centric approach. Our Mental Health First Aid courses are delivered by qualified instructors who create safe, engaging learning environments. Whether you are looking to raise general awareness or build a team of accredited Mental Health First Aiders, we customise delivery to match your specific learning and development objectives.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace is one of the smartest investments a business can make. Training staff through accredited Mental Health First Aid programmes builds capability, strengthens culture, and safeguards your organisation’s most valuable asset: your people.
Discover which Mental Health First Aid training option is right for your organisation today.
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