Mental Health First Aid with Hannah Cleasby
In this insight-packed #ShowcaseSunday Alison from AJ Lakes speaks with Hannah Cleasby, founder of Hannah Cleasby Training and an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor. They explore:
- Recognising early signs of mental health struggles in ourselves and others—like anxiety, stress, and emotional withdrawal.
- Practical guidance on responding sensitively: how to approach conversations, listen actively, and signpost to professional help.
- The importance of equipping workplaces and communities with mental health first aid skills to foster wellbeing and support.
- Personal anecdotes from Hannah’s experience delivering Mental Health First Aid and Awareness Training on behalf of MHFA England, all accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health.
The tone is compassionate and empowering, emphasising that simple, informed interventions can make a powerful difference in mental health outcomes.
Mental health first aid is crucial because it helps people recognise the signs of mental health challenges early and respond with understanding and support. Just like physical first aid, it’s about giving immediate, practical help until professional support is available, but with the added focus on reducing stigma and creating a safe environment for open conversations. In a workplace or community setting, having someone trained in mental health first aid can make all the difference—spotting when someone is struggling, offering reassurance, and guiding them towards the right help. It shows a commitment to wellbeing, builds trust, and can even prevent situations from escalating, ultimately supporting healthier, happier people and stronger teams.
