Is this course right for me?

Target Audience: All Staff

Mental Health Essential Skills Training (MHest) is a practical and interactive course designed to help colleagues feel more confident recognising when someone may be struggling and knowing how to respond.

The course focuses on the everyday conversations that can make a difference. Through discussion, reflection and practical activities, participants will explore how to notice changes in themselves and others, prepare for and start a supportive conversation, listen without feeling they need to fix things, and help someone connect with appropriate support.

MHest also explores healthy boundaries, looking after yourself when supporting others, and what to do when a concern becomes more serious.

You do not need any previous mental health knowledge or experience. The aim is not to turn colleagues into mental health experts, but to build the confidence and practical skills to notice, check in, listen and take a helpful next step.

This pilot session will also give participants an opportunity to help shape the future development of MHest at Strathclyde.

Prerequisites

Before you book . . .

MHest explores mental health and some of the challenges we may encounter when supporting ourselves and others. The course briefly touches on distress and suicide, but it is not suicide awareness or suicide intervention training. Further specialist training is available for colleagues who would like to develop their knowledge and confidence in this area, and information on these opportunities will be provided during the course.

Some of the topics and conversations may feel difficult or personal for some participants. You will never be expected to share personal experiences, and taking part in discussions and activities is always your choice. We encourage everyone attending to look after themselves throughout the day, including stepping out or taking a break whenever needed.

Support will be available and clearly signposted during the session.