Local entrepreneur, Joanna Buckland, founder of WellBe Link in Yeovil, is dedicated to making mental health training accessible to all. Specialising in workplace mental health and wellbeing solutions that drive social change, Joanna understands the critical need for mental health first aiders on site. Recognising that not all organisations can afford this training, she launched an initiative to offer two free places on every WellBe Link mental health first aid course. Ranked among the best training providers for mental health first aid in the country and boasting a 5-star Google rating, these courses aim to remove funding barriers and promote mental health awareness.
These free places are open to volunteers across all sectors to ensure that those who so generously give their time to support their local communities feel equipped to deal with mental health related queries and are able to support others when needed.
The mental health first aid training sessions are vital for those volunteering in the community as they are often the front-line workers who will need to respond in the first instance. These courses educate the learners on all aspects of spotting the signs of mental illness, addressing it and provide them with the skills they need to support vulnerable individuals with confidence.
This incredible initiative would not be the success story it currently is if it wasn’t for the wonderful organisations that have joined forces with WellBe Link and who, through purchasing workplace wellbeing packages, have also taken up the opportunity to sponsor these free places for their community.
So far business including HR Star and Pentadel have sponsored places for volunteers from organisations across Bristol, Somerset, and Gloucestershire including YCDT and the Watch Project.
This initiative has only been running for 2 years and is still in its infancy but it has already helped so many voluntary organisations and is set to support at least another 10 by the end of the year
If you are a volunteer, or run an organisation that is supported by volunteers then you can apply for a place here.
There are currently spaces available for
September 16th and 17th
October 14th and 15th
November 18th and 16th
December 16th and 17th
Notes to the editor – Joanna is available for interview or to give expert comment about mental health, work place training and voluntary support. For more information email [email protected]
