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629 Mental Health First Aid courses in Bristol delivered Online

MHFA® Youth Mental Health First Aid Two-Day Course

By Brightcore Consultancy

The two-day Youth MHFAider® course is tailored for people who teach, work, live with, support and care for young people aged 8 to 18. This mental health first aid course can be attended by anyone from age 16 upwards.

MHFA® Youth Mental Health First Aid Two-Day Course
Delivered Online + more
£160

MHFA England Mental Health First Aid

By Mindmaps Wellbeing

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England Training with Mindmaps Wellbeing Enhance workplace wellbeing and mental health awareness with MHFA England-certified training by Mindmaps Wellbeing. Our expert-led courses, delivered by Registered Mental Health Nurses and Healthcare Educators, equip you with the skills to recognize, support, and respond to mental health challenges. Whether online or in-person, our training ensures flexible learning options without compromising quality. Join us to gain certification as a Mental Health First Aider and access exclusive benefits like ongoing peer support, expert forums, and resources for self-care. Book now with Mindmaps Wellbeing and take the first step toward a healthier, more supportive environment for all.

MHFA England Mental Health First Aid
Delivered Online + more
£300

Suicide First Aid Lite

By Starling

This workshop equips employees to recognise and respond to signs of suicidal intentions. Participants will learn about the causes of suicidal thoughts and gain tools to help individuals stay safe.

Suicide First Aid Lite
Delivered Online
£70

Awareness of Safeguarding

By Madeleys First Aid Plus

RQF level 1 Awareness of Safeguarding The RQF Level 1 Awareness of Safeguarding course is designed to provide individuals with a basic understanding of safeguarding principles and practices. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding and promote the well-being and protection of vulnerable individuals, such as children, young people, and adults at risk. The course covers the following topics: Introduction to Safeguarding: Definition and importance of safeguarding. Key legislation, policies, and guidance related to safeguarding. Roles and responsibilities of individuals and organizations in safeguarding. Types of Abuse and Neglect: Overview of different types of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. Recognizing signs and indicators of abuse and neglect. Understanding the impact of abuse on individuals' well-being. Vulnerable Groups: Identifying vulnerable groups, such as children, young people, older adults, and individuals with disabilities or mental health issues. Understanding the specific safeguarding concerns and considerations for each group. Reporting and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns: Procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns or disclosures. Understanding the importance of maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately. Responding to safeguarding concerns in a timely and appropriate manner. Promoting Safeguarding and Preventing Abuse: Strategies for promoting a safe and inclusive environment. Recognizing potential risk factors and implementing preventative measures. Understanding the importance of creating a culture of safeguarding within organizations. Multi-Agency Collaboration: Collaboration between different agencies and organizations involved in safeguarding, such as social services, law enforcement, and healthcare. Sharing information and working together to ensure effective safeguarding practices. Case Studies and Scenarios: Reviewing case studies and scenarios to apply safeguarding principles and practices. Analysing potential safeguarding dilemmas and decision-making processes. Personal Responsibilities: Recognizing personal boundaries and limitations when working with vulnerable individuals. Understanding the importance of self-care and managing emotional well-being when dealing with safeguarding issues. It is important to ensure that the course meets local safeguarding guidelines and requirements. Suitability - Who should attend? The RQF Level 1 Awareness of Safeguarding course is suitable for a wide range of individuals who may come into contact with vulnerable individuals or have a general interest in understanding safeguarding principles. Here are some key groups of people who should attend the course: Employees and Staff: The course is relevant for employees and staff members across various sectors and industries, including but not limited to education, healthcare, social services, hospitality, sports and recreation, and community organizations. It helps them develop a basic understanding of safeguarding principles and their responsibilities in ensuring the well-being and protection of vulnerable individuals they may encounter in their work. Volunteers: Individuals who volunteer their time and services in organizations that work with vulnerable individuals should attend the course. It equips them with essential knowledge and awareness of safeguarding issues, helping them provide appropriate support and maintain the safety and dignity of those they interact with. Parents and Caregivers: The course can benefit parents, guardians, and caregivers by providing them with a foundation in safeguarding principles. It helps them recognize potential risks and signs of abuse or neglect, enabling them to create safer environments for the children or vulnerable individuals under their care. Community and Youth Workers: Individuals involved in community work, youth organizations, or youth clubs should attend the course to enhance their understanding of safeguarding. It enables them to promote the well-being and safety of young people and recognize signs of potential abuse or exploitation. Volunteers or Trustees of Charitable Organizations: Individuals serving as volunteers or trustees in charitable organizations that work with vulnerable populations can benefit from the course. It helps them fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding the individuals the organization serves and ensures they are aware of their legal and ethical obligations. General Public: The course is open to the general public as it provides valuable knowledge and awareness of safeguarding principles. It can benefit individuals who have an interest in understanding the rights and protection of vulnerable individuals in society. It's important to note that the RQF Level 1 Awareness of Safeguarding course provides foundational knowledge and awareness. For individuals who require more in-depth training or who have specific safeguarding roles or responsibilities, higher-level courses may be more suitable. Outcome / Qualification etc. Certification The qualification does not have an expiry date but refresher training and keeping up to date with changes to policies, procedures and new legislation through ongoing CPD is vital. Training Course Content Module 1 Introductions Module 2 Safeguarding legislation and guidance Module 3 Roles and responsibilities Module 4 Abuse and neglect Module 5 Identifying concerns and disclosure Module 6 Making judgements Module 7 Reporting concerns Module 8 Course closure and assessment MODULE 1 INTRODUCTIONS Session content Trainer/Assessor introduction Learner introductions Course syllabus Learning outcomes and assessment criteria Session duration 20 minutes MODULE 2 SAFEGUARDING LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE Session content Introduction to safeguarding Definitions Assessment framework Safeguarding statistics Safeguarding legislation and guidance Rights of a child/adult at risk Session duration 40 minutes MODULE 3 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Session content Safeguarding partnerships Local authority safeguarding officer Social care services Multi-agency safeguarding hubs Organisational safeguarding policies Safeguarding lead Session duration 30 minutes MODULE 4 ABUSE AND NEGLECT Session content Definitions Types of abuse and neglect Physical abuse Emotional abuse Sexual abuse Neglect Signs and indicators Parent/carer abuse Radicalisation FGM Forced marriage Modern slavery County line gangs Electronic media abuse - Internet and social networking dangers Session duration 50 minutes MODULE 5 IDENTIFYING CONCERNS AND DISCLOSURE Session content Identifying concerns Being a point of disclosure Recording disclosure information Session duration 20 minutes MODULE 6 MAKING JUDGEMENTS Session content Child development needs Identifying a safeguarding concern Group activity making judgements Session duration 30 minutes MODULE 7 REPORTING CONCERNS Session content Silencing factors Barriers to raising concerns Reporting concerns Importance of sharing concerns Session duration 20 minutes MODULE 8 COURSE CLOSURE AND ASSESSMENT Session content Course summary Assessment paper Course evaluation Course closure Session duration 30 minutes Course delivery details Qualification delivery The qualification has 4 assigned guided learning hours (GLH) and 5 hours total qualification time (TQT). GLH indicates the number of classroom contact hours that the learner will undertake. TQT includes GLH but also takes into account any unsupervised learning and is an estimate of how long the average learner will take to complete the qualification. The minimum classroom contact time of 4 hours should be delivered over a minimum of half a day. The course can be spread over a maximum of 2 weeks, ensuring that each session is a minimum of two hours. The class ratio for this qualification is a maximum of 16 learners to 1 Trainer/Assessor Why choose Madeleys First Aid Plus Founded in 2021 after Louise left 30 years in the NHS as an Advanced practitioner in A&E/ITU, had spent 1.5 years in Covid ITU Won FSB Best start-up business in the West Midlands in May 2023 Now trained 100's of delegates in Physical and Mental Health First Aid Expenses Travel costs and lunch required, there are many cafes and sandwich bars here in Much Wenlock to buy your lunch, you may eat it in the training room. All training material, books, qualification certificates are included in the price Continuing Studies The RQF Level 1 Awareness of Safeguarding course serves as an introductory course that provides individuals with a basic understanding of safeguarding principles. While it is a standalone qualification, individuals who complete the course may choose to progress further in their safeguarding training and education. Here are some potential progression options: RQF Level 2 Award in Safeguarding: This qualification builds upon the knowledge gained in the Level 1 course and provides a more comprehensive understanding of safeguarding principles, policies, and procedures. It covers topics such as risk assessment, responding to safeguarding concerns, and effective communication in safeguarding contexts. Specialized Safeguarding Courses: Individuals who wish to focus on specific areas of safeguarding can pursue specialized courses related to their field of interest. These courses may include Child Protection, Adult Safeguarding, Domestic Abuse Awareness, Online Safety, or Safeguarding in Healthcare. Specialized courses delve deeper into the specific risks, regulations, and best practices associated with safeguarding vulnerable individuals in those particular contexts. Safeguarding Training for Specific Professions: Many professions have specific safeguarding training requirements tailored to their sector. For example, teachers may need to complete safeguarding training specific to the education setting, healthcare professionals may have training focused on safeguarding vulnerable patients, and social workers may have specialized safeguarding training in line with their role. Progression may involve undertaking profession-specific safeguarding courses or qualifications. Safeguarding Leadership and Management Training: Individuals in supervisory or managerial positions may consider pursuing training that focuses on the leadership and management aspects of safeguarding. This can include courses on developing and implementing safeguarding policies and procedures, managing safeguarding incidents, conducting internal investigations, and providing guidance and support to staff. Continued Professional Development (CPD): Engaging in ongoing CPD activities is essential for staying updated with the latest developments in safeguarding practices and policies. Individuals can attend conferences, workshops, or seminars related to safeguarding, child protection, or specific areas of interest within the field. This allows for continued learning and networking with other professionals. Higher Education: Individuals who wish to pursue a more in-depth study of safeguarding can consider higher education programs in social work, psychology, criminology, or related fields. These programs provide comprehensive knowledge and training in safeguarding practices, policies, and research. They may lead to professional certifications or degrees that enhance career opportunities in safeguarding roles. It's important for individuals to research and explore progression options that align with their specific career goals, interests, and local requirements. Different countries or regions may have varying certification or training requirements for safeguarding roles, so it's advisable to check with relevant regulatory bodies or professional associations for specific guidance.

Awareness of Safeguarding
Delivered in Much Wenlock or Online + more
£60

Mental Health First Aid Annual Refresher

5.0(50)

By Pochat Training

Refresh your skills from when you last did your mental health first aid course! How much do you still remember? How comfortable are you approaching someone? Is there more to learn?

Mental Health First Aid Annual Refresher
Delivered in Chesterfield or Online + more
£90

Mental Health First Aid

5.0(1)

By Course Gate

Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to recognise and respond to signs of mental distress in yourself and others. You will learn about the common types of mental health problems, their causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Mental Health First Aid
Delivered Online On Demand
£11.99

Mental Health First Aid

By Compete High

🌟 Introducing: Mental Health First Aid Course! 🌟 Are you ready to make a profound difference in people's lives? Dive into the world of mental health with our comprehensive Mental Health First Aid Course. 🧠 In today's fast-paced world, mental health issues are more prevalent than ever. But the good news is, you can play a crucial role in providing support and assistance to those in need. This course is your gateway to understanding, identifying, and responding to mental health challenges effectively. 💪   Benefits of Mental Health First Aid Course: Empowerment: Gain the confidence and skills to recognize the signs of mental health issues early on. Early Intervention: Learn how to provide immediate support to individuals experiencing mental health crises, potentially preventing escalation. Reduced Stigma: Break down barriers surrounding mental health by fostering understanding and empathy in your community. Enhanced Communication: Develop effective communication strategies to connect with and support individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Self-Care: Discover essential self-care techniques to maintain your own mental well-being while supporting others. Community Impact: Make a tangible difference in your community by becoming a trusted mental health advocate and resource.   👩‍️ Who is this for? Healthcare Professionals: Nurses, doctors, psychologists, and counselors seeking to enhance their skills in mental health support. Educators: Teachers, school counselors, and administrators interested in creating supportive environments for students' mental well-being. Human Resources Personnel: HR professionals looking to promote mental wellness in the workplace and provide effective support to employees. Community Leaders: Social workers, community organizers, and volunteers aiming to create inclusive and supportive communities. Parents and Caregivers: Individuals interested in understanding and supporting the mental health needs of their loved ones. Anyone: Individuals passionate about mental health advocacy and making a positive impact in their communities.   🚀 Career Path Completing the Mental Health First Aid Course opens doors to various fulfilling career paths and opportunities, including: Mental Health Advocate: Champion mental health awareness and support within your community or organization. Mental Health Counselor/Therapist: Pursue further education and training to become a licensed mental health professional. Peer Support Specialist: Offer lived experience support to individuals navigating mental health challenges. Mental Health Educator: Facilitate workshops and training sessions to raise awareness and educate others about mental health. Corporate Wellness Coordinator: Work within organizations to promote employee well-being and implement mental health initiatives.   Embark on a journey of compassion, understanding, and empowerment with our Mental Health First Aid Course. Together, let's make a positive impact on mental health and create a healthier, happier world for all. 💙 Don't wait! Enroll now and become a beacon of hope and support in your community! 🌟   FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for Mental Health First Aid Course Q1: What is Mental Health First Aid? A: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. It aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention in mental health issues. Q2: Who can benefit from Mental Health First Aid training? A: MHFA training is beneficial for anyone interested in learning how to support individuals experiencing mental health problems or crises. This includes but is not limited to teachers, healthcare professionals, employers, community workers, and family members. Essentially, anyone who interacts with others can benefit from MHFA training. Q3: What will I learn in a Mental Health First Aid course? A: In an MHFA course, you will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and psychosis. You'll also learn how to provide initial assistance, offer non-judgmental support, and guide individuals towards appropriate professional help. Additionally, the course covers self-care strategies and techniques for maintaining mental well-being. Q4: How long does Mental Health First Aid training take? A: The duration of MHFA training varies depending on the format and provider. Typically, it ranges from one to three days. Some courses are offered in-person, while others may be conducted online. Regardless of the format, MHFA training provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to effectively support individuals in mental health distress. Q5: Is Mental Health First Aid certification recognized internationally? A: Yes, Mental Health First Aid certification is recognized globally. The program originated in Australia in 2001 and has since been adapted and implemented in numerous countries worldwide. Many organizations, institutions, and workplaces acknowledge MHFA certification as a valuable asset in promoting mental health literacy and creating supportive environments. Course Curriculum Module 1 Understanding Mental Health Understanding Mental Health 00:00 Module 2 Using the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan Using the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan 00:00 Module 3 Crisis Situations and Emergency Interventions Crisis Situations and Emergency Interventions 00:00 Module 4 Understanding and Responding to Mental Health Crises Understanding and Responding to Mental Health Crises 00:00 Module 5 Mental Health Problems Mental Health Problems 00:00

Mental Health First Aid
Delivered Online On Demand5 hours
£25

Mental Health First Aid

By SkillWise

Overview Uplift Your Career & Skill Up to Your Dream Job - Learning Simplified From Home! Kickstart your career & boost your employability by helping you discover your skills, talents, and interests with our special Mental Health First Aid Course. You'll create a pathway to your ideal job as this course is designed to uplift your career in the relevant industry. It provides the professional training that employers are looking for in today's workplaces. The Mental Health First Aid Course is one of the most prestigious training offered at Skillwise and is highly valued by employers for good reason. This Mental Health First Aid Course has been designed by industry experts to provide our learners with the best learning experience possible to increase their understanding of their chosen field. This Mental Health First Aid Course, like every one of Skillwise's courses, is meticulously developed and well-researched. Every one of the topics is divided into elementary modules, allowing our students to grasp each lesson quickly. At Skillwise, we don't just offer courses; we also provide a valuable teaching process. When you buy a course from Skillwise, you get unlimited Lifetime access with 24/7 dedicated tutor support. Why buy this Mental Health First Aid? Unlimited access to the course forever Digital Certificate, Transcript, and student ID are all included in the price Absolutely no hidden fees Directly receive CPD Quality Standard-accredited qualifications after course completion Receive one-to-one assistance every weekday from professionals Immediately receive the PDF certificate after passing Receive the original copies of your certificate and transcript on the next working day Easily learn the skills and knowledge from the comfort of your home Certification After studying the course materials of the Mental Health First Aid there will be a written assignment test which you can take either during or at the end of the course. After successfully passing the test you will be able to claim the pdf certificate for free. Original Hard Copy certificates need to be ordered at an additional cost of £8. Who is this course for? This Mental Health First Aid course is ideal for Students Recent graduates Job Seekers Anyone interested in this topic People already working in the relevant fields and want to polish their knowledge and skills. Prerequisites This Mental Health First Aid does not require you to have any prior qualifications or experience. You can just enroll and start learning. This Mental Health First Aid was made by professionals and it is compatible with all PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. You will be able to access the course from anywhere at any time as long as you have a good enough internet connection. Career path As this course comes with multiple courses included as a bonus, you will be able to pursue multiple occupations. This Mental Health First Aid is a great way for you to gain multiple skills from the comfort of your home.   Mental Health First Aid Module 1: Introduction to Mental Health 00:19:00 Module 2: Overview of Mental Health First Aid 00:14:00 Module 3: Childhood and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders 00:13:00 Module 4: Stress and Anxiety Disorders 00:22:00 Module 5: Schizophrenia 00:25:00 Module 6: Personality Disorders 00:36:00 Module 7: Mood Disorders 00:20:00 Module 8: Eating & Sleeping Disorders 00:41:00 Module 9: Self-Harm and Suicide 00:18:00 Module 10: Medication and Therapy in the Treatment of Mental Illness 00:30:00 Module 11: Social Attitudes to Mental Illness 00:12:00 Module 12: Mental Health Legislation and Services 00:28:00 Module 13: Mental Health in the Workplace 00:22:00 Module 14: Approach and React To People in Mental Health Crisis 00:27:00

Mental Health First Aid
Delivered Online On Demand
£29

Youth Mental Health First Aid

5.0(50)

By Pochat Training

FAA Level 2 Award In First Aid For Youth Mental Health (RQF) Classroom (1 day course), Virtual (3 x 2½ hour sessions) Gives learners knowledge of Youth Mental Health First Aid Gives learners the skills to help young people with mental health problems and improve their mental health Course Contents: What is Youth Mental Health? The role of the mental health first aider Identifying mental health conditions Recognising and managing Stress Mental health conditions Recognising a range of mental health conditions:DepressionAnxietyPsychosisEating disordersSuicideSelf-harmPost-traumatic stress disorderConduct disorders - BullyingDrugs and alcohol Mental health first aid action plan Benefits of this course: These figures, taken from the Young Minds website show clearly how many young people suffer with their mental health... One in six children aged five to 16 are identified as having a probable mental health problem That means that, on average, five children in every classroom have a mental health problem 80% of young people with mental health needs agreed that the coronavirus pandemic had made their mental health worse Suicide was the leading cause of death for males and females aged between five to 34 in 2019 Around half of 17-19 year-olds with a diagnosable mental health disorder has self-harmed or attempted suicide at some point In 2018-19, 24% of 17-year-olds reported having self-harmed in the previous year, and seven per cent reported having self-harmed with suicidal intent at some point in their lives So please, learn more about how to help these youngsters, and give them the chance to live happy, healthy lives Accredited, Ofqual regulated qualification Our Mental Health First Aid Courses are nationally recognised, Ofqual regulated qualifications accredited by First Aid Awards Ltd in association with NUCO Training. This means that you can be rest assured that your Mental Health First Aid Certificates fulfill the upcoming legal requirements and are a very good way to make sure you and your employees have a supporting workplace to deal with staff's mental health conditions. The Ofqual Register number for this course is 603/7176/6

Youth Mental Health First Aid
Delivered in Chesterfield or Online + more
£140 to £150

Mental Health First Aid Champion

5.0(1)

By Strongmind Resiliency Training Ltd

Become a Mental Health First Aid Champion Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course, which teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and to provide help on a first aid basis. This course is designed for people who want to promote and positively affect attitudes on mental health in the workplace.

Mental Health First Aid Champion
Delivered OnlineFlexible Dates
£180

Educators matching "Mental Health First Aid"

Show all 8
School of Dialogue

school of dialogue

London

Arabella Tresilian MAHons PGCE FRSA Dialogue Facilitator, Mediator & Conflict Coach: Mediation, fully-accredited by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) Dispute resolution for Employment, Workplace, Civil, Commercial & Community cases Specialist in health and social care, including mental health, autism & disabilities Download a copy of my one-page profile here: Arabella Tresilian Mediator Profile Overview ‘Arabella Tresilian is a CEDR-accredited mediator, and a conflict resolution trainer, specialising in facilitating dispute resolution and employee wellbeing in the public sector. She has twenty years’ experience as a management consultant, leader and educator, and set up the School of Dialogue to teach conflict resolution skills. Arabella mediates independently and on behalf of the Medical Mediation Foundation, Resolve West and other panels where she specialises in lending her ‘expertise by experience’ in the fields of mental health and neurodiversity. Arabella’s 70+ case history since 2016 include mediations in the fields of Judicial Review, Court of Protection, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Local Government, workplace, employment, community and public sector dispute resolution.’ I am an independent consultant specialising in dialogue facilitation, conflict resolution and partnership-building. My business development experience, studies in educational leadership and experience in dispute resolution combine effectively to allow me to support organisations, employees, families and individuals in finding win-win resolutions within complex scenarios. I have 20 years experience working in a strategic capacity for public, private and third sector organisations in the UK and overseas, and I have specialist consulting experience in the fields of sustainability, education and health/social care. I have also taught and managed at secondary level internationally and in the independent sector in the UK, and founded/directed a theatre company devoted to promoting the understanding of mental health and social exclusion. I am a CEDR-Accredited Mediator qualified to undertake employment, workplace, commercial, civil and community mediation. In 2017 I became a CEDR Associate with the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), joining their world-renowned training faculty. In the community setting, I am a Certificated Mediator with Resolve West (previously Bristol Mediation) resolving neighbour disputes and hate crime cases. I am also the cofounder of Equisphere Employability and a workplace mental health trainer for Bath Mind. In the healthcare setting, I am a mediator, trainer and conflict coach with the Medical Mediation Foundation. I am a Quality Improvement Coach with the Q Community (NHS Improvement & Health Foundation) and a Public & Patient Involvement advisor for the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR). I am a Member of End of Life Doula UK and have undertaken Advance Care Planning training with Living Well Dying Well. I am also a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor training groups to become Mental Health First Aiders in their contexts. I am a member of the Civil Mediation Council as a Member of the Association of South West Mediators. I abide by the European Code of Conduct for Mediators. I have DBS clearance and am fully insured as a mediator, trainer,educator, mentor and coach. Professional Experience & Skills Overview Facilitation and Organisational Dialogue Strategic development and team coaching in the workplace Communications and engagement for public-facing organisations Design and delivery of multi-organisational commercial partnerships Stakeholder engagement for effective policy development Conflict Intervention and Negotiation Interpersonal mediation and conflict resolution for workplace contexts Conflict coaching and mediation for highly-escalated community conflicts Brokerage of interorganisational partnerships for socio-economic benefit Leadership Design / delivery of Leadership Skills for Employability training for University of Bath Postgraduate certificate in Educational Leadership & Management (2011) Founder of three social enterprises and experienced team leader and manager International Competence Partnerships negotiator for European Green Capital 2015 Merger & Acquisition consultancy – UK/Spain Educator in vocational, business and enterprise skills – Coimbatore, India Training and Coaching Experienced teacher, trainer, mentor and coach specialising in communication Mentor to young leaders in enterprise on Future Talent programme Mental Health First Aider and specialist trainer in mental health with Mind Charity My style and my specialisms I came to the practice of Conflict Resolution and Mediation through two distinct routes. One was through doing management consulting in the public and private sectors, and coming to understand just how much stress, inefficiency and sadness arises from communication and conflict difficulties in the workplace. The other route was through being a patient, a parent of children with disabilities and a family carer, and witnessing how difficult it can be to make plans for the future when the present involves difficult discussions and many people. So I specialise in making sure that people feel comfortable with the process they undertake with me, and that it leads them towards feeling comfortable and confident about their future. I aim to be thoroughly supportive, reassuring and encouraging at all times. My professional work and personal experience in health and social care mean that I am particularly experienced in supporting people who are living with any form of illness, disability, mental health condition or life-limiting condition. I have particular personal experience of working with people who are deaf or hearing impaired, on the autism spectrum, experiencing mental illness and living with dementia or stroke. Why I love being a mediator I came to mediation through a confluence of circumstances which made me think, ‘There must be a better way for people to deal with their difficulties than to threaten legal action, or refuse to engage in communication at all!’ I realised that a great deal of my management consultancy work was really… conflict resolution. It gave me such pleasure and relief when long-held rifts within and between teams melted away after some good, authentic communication. This piqued my interest to find out more about the art of conflict resolution, and I did my first certificated training, and started practising as a community mediator. Later I qualified as a civil and employment mediator, and have been mediating ever since. It’s astonishing to witness people’s lives turn from a turmoil of distressing, intractable ‘stuckness’, to a new phase in which, for example, neighbours can conceive of greeting each other again; or work colleagues re-establish trust between each other after maybe years of mistrust, stress and non-communication. Mediation takes empathy, patience and persistence, and it is a skill I will develop and hone endlessly over years to come, but its core aspect is a belief that people really can find peace again, given the right support and a safe space to explore options for settling differences. Facilitating such processes is a real honour. Nothing beats the sight of former disputants smiling, shaking hands, or even (more often than you would think) hugging, at the end of a mediation.