10,000 people trained trained as mental health first aiders

10,000 people across Wales have been trained to spot the symptoms of mental health problems, and taught how to approach someone with a problem to offer support.

The Welsh Labour Government supports the Mental Health First Aid (Wales) course, which is delivered by Mind Cymru. The programme began in 2007, and this month reached 10,000 participants. The course teaches people about mental health problems and gives them the skills they need to help people in crisis. It covers common mental health issues including alcohol, drugs and depression, crisis first aid for suicidal behaviour, first aid for anxiety and panic attacks, and other issues such as self-harm.

With figures showing that one in four people are affected by mental health problems each year, the Welsh Labour Government recently launched the first mental health Strategy for Wales that covers people of all ages. Together for Mental Health sets out Welsh Labour’s ambitions for improving mental health and our vision for 21st century mental health services.