With nearly 500 people working at Gi Group in the UK, the firm supported its group head of learning & development Emma-Louise Taylor through a Mental Health First Aid England training programme to qualify as an MHFA instructor. 

Having been part of the Gi Group for 19 years, Taylor’s qualification as an MHFA instructor allows her to deliver training both internally at Gi Group and externally for customers and partners. 

The evidence-based training is designed to equip employees with the skills to spot the signs of poor mental health, the confidence to start a conversation about mental wellbeing and the knowledge to signpost individuals to appropriate support.

So far, the training has led to 45 qualified MHFAs (pictured above, second left, Kate Sands, one of Gi Group's MHFA with team) within the business, with a further 55 planned over the next six months. This will equate to one MHFA for every 10 employees, hitting the target set out by MHFA England.

“At Gi Group, we’re proud to be taking a proactive approach towards caring for our employees’ wellbeing and supporting each individual through their personal mental health experiences in and outside of work,” said Taylor.

“The working landscape has shifted dramatically in the last few years, and we want to do all we can to ensure we’re providing support for all our people, especially given the recent statistics around ill health in employees at work.”

According to MHFA England, poor mental health within the workplace is estimated to cost UK employers up to £56bn each year, yet for every £1 spent by employers on mental health interventions, they get back £5.30 in reduced absence, presenteeism and staff turnover.

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Picture above: Second left, Kate Sands, one of Gi Group's MHFA with team