Mental Health First Aid

How to find our Mental Health First Aiders?

• We have coverage across all Imperial College London campuses
• MHFAiders wear a bright green lanyard
• Look out for departmental First Aid notices
• Check the MHFAiders Contact List (Excel)

Request an update to the MHFAiders Contact List

Please fill out this form to request an update to the MHFAiders Contact List if any of the following apply:

• You are not on the MHFAiders list but would like to be added as you have completed the MHFA course outside of Imperial. (You will be asked to provide a copy of your MHFA certificate.)
• You are currently an MHFAider but no longer wish to be one.
• You would like to request updates to the list of MHFAiders in your department, for example if someone has left the College or moved to a different department.

For all other queries about the list, please contact equality@imperial.ac.uk.

Please note the list is updated termly.

What is Mental Health First Aid?

For many years workplaces have had a responsibility to ensure arrangements for the emergency treatment of minor to severe injuries and health problems. First aid is the initial assistance or care of a suddenly sick or injured person. The main aims of first aid are: 

• To preserve life
• To protect the casualty from further harm
• To promote recovery

Mental Health First Aid is a certified course, first developed in Australia. It has an international profile in 15 countries. The English version was created in 2007 to train volunteers on how to identify, understand, and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.

MHFAiders aren’t therapists, and the aim is not to diagnose or treat people but to encourage and support them to access professional help and signpost them to the right place. This could include self-help books or websites, guiding people to accessing therapy services through their GP, their university or place of work, or via online self-referral, support groups, and more.

MHFAiders are trained to listen, reassure, and respond, even in a crisis – and can potentially avert it from happening. They can do this by recognising warning signs, and they have the skills and confidence to approach and support someone experiencing mental ill-health. MHFAiders also have a role in supporting positive wellbeing and tackling stigma.

Our growth, investment and support

Seven in-house instructors supporting the MHFA community.
Connect & share termly meeting. These meetings are a way of sharing information, networking with other MHFAiders and reflecting on your use of MHFA.
Social networking group using Yammer for peer to peer support. The group is private, closed and used only by qualified MHFAiders.
Participation has boomed. See the Mental Health infographic