Introducing our mental health first aiders

We are proud to have a supportive internal network of more than 20 mental health first aiders (MHFAs) at Ocorian. 

How do MHFAs operate?

Accessible 24/7, our MHFAs act as a point of contact for anyone in any jurisdiction who is experiencing emotional distress or mental health issues. MHFAs go through comprehensive training that give them the tools they need to support people in need. This includes recognising symptoms and providing early stage assistance. It’s important to note that MHFAs are not counsellors or psychologists, but are there to provide guidance, signposting and support to those who need it.

The bottom line is that our MHFAs are here to help our employees. Whether it's just a chat or help finding more appropriate support, our internal support network and mental health and well-being resources are available 24/7. 

One minute with an Ocorian MHFA 

Corporate Administrator in our Cayman Islands office, Donna Dandie recently qualified as a mental health first aider, so we caught up with her to find out more about their key role.

Donna, what kind of training is involved in order to become a MHFA? 

To become a MHFA, I completed a two-day training course which is offered MHFA England. The course was conducted through an online learning hub and each live training session was built around a mental health first aid action plan. 

The course provided me with an in-depth understanding of mental health and the key factors that can affect well-being. I was also taught the practical skills needed in order to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues. However, one of the biggest benefits of the course was that it provided me with the confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress, which is often a step people feel uncomfortable with.

How do MHFAs operate in Ocorian? 

We are not here to diagnose problems, but provide an empathetic and unbiased contact point to support the well-being of our colleagues. Our conversations give us an understanding of what the person is feeling or enduring and are intended to stimulate possible solutions.

All conversations are confidential and treated without bias. If we think that the individual is a threat to themselves or to others, we will work with them to get proper professional help. Where professional help is needed, an MHFA can offer to attend the appointment with the colleague (if necessary), to provide additional support.  

You can find out more about MHFAs on the MHFA England website.