By Lindsey Appleby-Flynn | September 20, 2021
Last Updated on July 19, 2026
Summary
- Persistent high levels of workplace stress mean care sector employers must continue to prioritise supportive environments for staff wellbeing.
- Investing in mental health first aid training equips colleagues to offer immediate, non-judgemental support and reduce stigma.
- Managers should watch for signs of burnout such as increased absence or falling performance and maintain an open-door culture.
Lindsey Appleby-Flynn, National Sector Lead for Health and Social Care at Connect2Care, explains why mental health first aid training remains essential in the care sector.
Staff across the care sector continue to work in demanding roles that place significant pressure on mental health. Sickness absence now averages 9.4 days per employee each year, with mental ill-health the leading cause of long-term absence.
Stress, depression and anxiety account for 22.1 million lost working days. These pressures show no sign of easing and require sustained attention from employers.
What the research tells us
Recent findings show mental health remains a serious concern. Mental Health UK reports that 91% of UK adults have experienced high or extreme stress. One in five workers have taken time off because of stress-related poor mental health.
In adult social care, 56% of staff report insufficient financial security and 69% say the cost of living is too high. Sixty per cent of those considering leaving cite stress and burnout as reasons. Forty-one per cent have also experienced physical violence from people they support.
Only 29% of organisations train line managers to support staff with mental ill-health. Where training is provided, 73% feel confident in sensitive conversations, compared with 57% where it is not offered. Just 45% of managers overall have received such training.
Care workers therefore need ongoing support to remain emotionally and psychologically healthy. Employers must create settings that are inclusive of mental health needs.
Creating a positive workplace culture around mental health
Stigma around mental health still affects people’s willingness to speak up. Employers need to make workplaces safe for anyone experiencing difficulties.
Mental health first aid training helps achieve this by giving staff practical skills to recognise signs of distress and offer early support.
A Mental Health First Aider acts as a first point of contact. They listen without judgement, guide colleagues towards professional help and help prevent issues from reaching crisis point.
They also promote a positive culture by challenging stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health across the organisation.
The role of mental health first aid training today
Mental health first aid training has grown alongside rising awareness. The Association of Mental Health First Aiders now has more than 87,000 members who receive continued support through an app and regular webinars.
Training is no longer seen as a one-off event. The focus is on sustained support and combining it with wider organisational approaches.
At Connect2Care we offer different levels of mental health first aid courses designed for care providers who want to give their teams these skills.
Supporting your employees with mental health first aid training
Managers can look out for several indicators of mental health struggles, including burnout, even before formal training takes place.
- Losing passion – A noticeable drop in attention to detail or usual enthusiasm may signal someone feels overwhelmed by their workload.
- Increased absence – Frequent short or long-term sickness absence often points to underlying mental health issues, even when stress is not stated as the cause.
- Drop in performance – More mistakes, reduced output and problems with concentration can all result from poor mental health and burnout.
Mental health-inclusive leadership helps staff feel supported. Regular check-ins and workload adjustments when needed are important steps.
Dedicated Mental Health First Aiders and an open-door culture further strengthen this approach. They encourage transparency, improve morale and help create a positive reputation as an employer.
The Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme continues to offer funding for eligible MHFA England courses through May 2026, although reimbursement is not guaranteed due to limited pots.
Care workers remain the foundation of the sector. Providing them with the right mental health support protects both staff and the people they care for.
Connect2Care offers two free places for employees of any non-regulated organisation on its Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health course. To apply for complimentary access, please email: [email protected]
For more information on Connect2Care, or to find out about our mental health first aid training courses, please visit: www.connect2care.net
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mental health first aid training?
It teaches colleagues how to identify and respond to signs of distress in the workplace. The goal is to provide immediate, non-judgemental support until professional help is secured. This helps promote a safer environment for staff facing the demands of the care sector.
Who needs to complete mental health first aid training?
The courses are designed for everyone, from ordinary employees to team leaders. Care organisations do not need clinicians to step into these roles. Training regular staff helps managers build a wider network of peer support across all levels.
How long does a standard course typically take?
The time required depends heavily on the format and the provider you choose. Options range from brief introductory two-hour sessions up to comprehensive two-day programmes. Employers can usually find a format that fits around busy care schedules.
Does a mental health first aider replace professional help?
No, this is a common misunderstanding. A trained first aider provides early-intervention and signposting rather than diagnosis or therapy. Their core duty is to listen and safely guide colleagues towards formal clinical support.
What are the main benefits of investing in this training?
Research shows it directly improves staff confidence when dealing with sensitive conversations. Trained employees help reduce social stigma and encourage earlier advice-seeking. In demanding health and social care settings, this approach actively lowers the risk of staff burnout.