Mental health first aiders in SMB
At the School of Molecular Biosciences, we are committed to supporting our member's mental health, including during crisis. We have a number of trained Mental Health First Aiders who are available to help, signpost, and support during periods of acute mental distress. Please email anyone from the list below if you feel you would benefit from talking to a Mental Health First Aider.
NHS Scotland describes Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) as being “like any other type of first aid, the help given to a person before appropriate professional help or treatment can be obtained. The main difference is that it is the initial support for someone who needs support for a mental health issue rather than a physical one”
This service is suitable for students and staff. Please see below for frequently asked questions.
Shaun Bremner-Hart (Sir James Black Building)
Chris Finlay (Sir James Black Building)
ones (Bower Building)
Colin Molloy (ARC)
June Southall (Joseph Black Building)
Monica Tsimbouri (ARC)
Nathan Woodling (Davidson Building)
What does a mental health first aider do?
Like first aiders, mental health first aiders aim to:
- Preserve life
- Prevent deterioration of mental health
- Promote recovery
- Provide comfort, to a person in distress as well as:
- Promoting awareness of mental health issues
It is important to appreciate that mental health first aid is not designed to treat or offer long-term support for mental health issues. The support is available to help an individual through immediate distress by directing them towards appropriate professional help.
What happens when I meet my mental health first aider?
Initially, they will ask you how you are feeling, what it is that is troubling you and then they will listen to you. This is your opportunity to explain anything about your mental health that is worrying you. They will ask you some questions to find out whether your mental health is putting you at serious risk. Then, they will help you to consider coping strategies and techniques that you think will help you in the short term until you find professional help, and how to access it. They will also help you consider some self-help measures you also might find helpful in the long-term.
Is the mental health first aid service confidential?
Yes. No personal details will be shared from your meeting with a Mental Health First Aider. They will note details, such as the type of issue you are dealing with, and of any advice or guidance they have given you, so that the University can monitor any emerging trends across the campus and where we need to focus our efforts to best respond to issues.
Please note that a First Aider will not promise secrecy if it emerges during your conversation that there is risk to life, yours or others. This includes if you are involved in illegal activity, for example, driving to work/lectures under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Do I have to tell my line manager or supervisor that I have spoke to a mental health first aider?
Not if you don’t want to, but we recommend that if you do feel able to discuss your mental health with your manager, principal investigator or course supervisor/adviser of studies. You may find this helpful. This allows them to help you further at work, maybe by adjusting your duties, work patterns or hours for a period of time while you are recovering from a period or episode of poor mental health.
If you're interested in becoming a mental health first aider for SMB, please email Emily May Armstrong