Category: Workplace health initiatives · Reviewed by Amy Price, Account Executive · Last reviewed 2026-06-10
A Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) in the workplace is an employee trained to identify, support and signpost colleagues experiencing mental health difficulties or crises. The training does not equip MHFAs to diagnose or treat — that remains the province of clinical professionals — but to provide first-response support and refer the person to appropriate help. The standard UK training programmes are delivered by MHFA England (Mental Health First Aid England CIC), MHFA Scotland (NHS Health Scotland) and equivalents in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Category: Workplace health initiatives Also known as: MHFA, workplace MHFA Standard course: MHFA England 2-day course Related concepts: Mental health support employee benefit, Workplace wellness programme, Mental health absence
The MHFA model originated in Australia in 2000 and was introduced to England in 2007. The 2-day Adult MHFA course covers identification of common mental health conditions, the ALGEE action plan (Approach, Listen, Give support, Encourage professional help, Encourage self-help), suicide prevention, and creating a workplace mental health plan.
There is no statutory requirement to provide MHFAs. However, the HSE in February 2018 issued guidance recommending that employers should consider mental health first aid as part of their first aid needs assessment under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. Employers should also consider their duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
A typical workforce ratio is one MHFA per 20–50 employees. MHFAs are volunteers recruited from the existing workforce; the role is supplementary to their primary employment. Training cost is approximately £300 per person for a 2-day course; refresher training is recommended every 3 years.
A 200-employee firm trains 10 MHFAs (one per 20 employees) at a cost of £3,000. The MHFAs are listed on the intranet with clear protocols for confidentiality and referral. Over the following year, the MHFA network supports approximately 25 colleagues in confidence, signposting most to the EAP and to occupational health, and identifying a small number of cases that required immediate escalation to manager or NHS support.
This entry is part of the Apex Insurance Wiki. Last reviewed by Matt Bartlett on 2026-06-10. Next review: 2026-12-10.
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