Northampton Town offers Training for Mental Health Navigators

Northampton Town offers Training for Mental Health Navigators

The Northampton Town Community Trust has been successful in obtaining a National Lottery Awards for All grant to train its staff from voluntary, community and third sector organisations as mental health navigators across Northamptonshire in the wake of Covid-19.

Attending the free online Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England course to become ‘mental health aware’ will enable staff from a range of professions to assist adults in the community as the club, like other across the world, learn to deal with the issues arising from the pandemic and lockdown moving forwards. These navigators will form a network in Northamptonshire where mental health resources, links and support services can be shared.

The first course was held last week welcoming staff from the Hope Centre, sports chaplaincy, Impact Now Northampton, Made with Many and various school based family support workers who work with parents. (Bozeat, Hopping Hill, Earls Barton, Croyland primaries.)

Below is some of the feedback from participants:
• The course was really informative, it was great to talk to others via zoom as well.
• The tutor took her time explaining each topic. As a founder of a Charity and an independent Social Worker, I will be in a better position to support people that use our services.
• Thank you very much, the course was very useful and well delivered.
• Some very difficult subjects were dealt with sensitively. I will use the training to support groups and communities we are working with, and other colleagues who may come across different Mental Health issues.

The course is designed to give delegates:
• An understanding of what mental health is and how to challenge stigma
• A basic knowledge of some common mental health issues
• An introduction to looking after your own mental health and maintaining well-being
• Confidence to support someone in distress or who may be experiencing a mental health issue

MHFA doesn’t teach people to be therapists, but will teach listening skills, how to reassure and respond, even in a crisis – and even potentially stop a crisis from happening. Participants learn to recognise warning signs of mental ill health, and develop the skills and confidence to approach and support someone while keeping safe.

Delegates also learn how to empower someone to access the support they might need for recovery or successful management of symptoms. This could include self-help books or websites, accessing therapy services through their GP, their school or place of work, online self-referral, support groups, and more.

For more information visit ntfccommunity.co.uk/mental-health.