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Journal article 1524 views

Delivering a basic mental health training programme: views and experiences of Mental Health First Aid instructors in Wales

Julia Terry Orcid Logo

Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, Volume: 18, Issue: 8, Pages: 677 - 686

Swansea University Author: Julia Terry Orcid Logo

Abstract

<p align="left">Originating in Australia, ‘Mental Health First Aid’ (MHFA) is a way of providing</p><p align="left">support to someone who is experiencing a mental health problem before professional</p><p align="left">help is obtained. Posi...

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Published in: Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing
Published: 2011
URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa6759
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Abstract: <p align="left">Originating in Australia, ‘Mental Health First Aid’ (MHFA) is a way of providing</p><p align="left">support to someone who is experiencing a mental health problem before professional</p><p align="left">help is obtained. Positive evaluations have shown that it both increases confidence</p><p align="left">while decreasing stigmatizing attitudes. However, the evidence base surrounding the</p><p align="left">delivery of basic mental health programmes remains underdeveloped. This descriptive</p><p align="left">qualitative study explored the views and experiences of 14 MHFA instructors from</p><p align="left">across Wales through semi-structured interviews, as a means to identify the experience</p><p align="left">of course delivery from their perspective. Data were collected between January and</p><p align="left">April 2009. The study found individuals benefited from being an MHFA instructor</p><p align="left">through increased confidence and self-development. However, instructors encountered</p><p align="left">logistical difficulties in course delivery and noted that as attendees related to the course</p><p align="left">material, they wished to discuss their own mental health problems during the course.</p><p align="left">This created considerable challenges for instructors, who noted both positive and</p><p align="left">negative impacts on themselves, and on their expectations of the role of becoming</p><p align="left">MHFA instructors. In conclusion, basic mental health training courses must build a</p><p align="left">clear infrastructure, ongoing quality assurance processes and reliable support structures</p><p>to train, support and monitor those delivering them.</p>
College: Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Issue: 8
Start Page: 677
End Page: 686