Q: Am I legally required to provide a Mental Health First Aider as I am for physical First Aid?
A: No, under current UK law, there is no legal requirement to appoint a dedicated Mental Health First Aider in the same way as you must provide physical first aid under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. The law requires employers to assess first aid needs and provide adequate provision for treating injuries and emergencies, but mental health support is not explicitly mandated. However, there has been an important update to the official guidance from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). The revised publication First Aid at Work: Guidance on Regulations (L74) emphasises that when carrying out a first aid needs assessment, employers should consider the mental health of employees in addition to physical health.
Appointing trained mental health first aiders can bring significant benefits:
- Early intervention: Trained staff can recognise early signs of stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, helping colleagues access support before problems escalate.
- Workplace culture: Having designated mental health first aiders demonstrates a proactive commitment to wellbeing, reducing stigma and encouraging open discussion.
- Employee engagement and retention: Staff are more likely to feel supported, increasing morale, engagement, and reducing sickness absence.
- Complementary to existing policies: The appointment of mental health first aiders complement existing occupational health and wellbeing policies, making your overall health and safety strategy more robust.
Practical implementation tips:
- Identify staff volunteers or roles suitable for training in mental health first aid (MHFA).
- Ensure training is from accredited providers and is refreshed regularly.
- Make support channels clear and accessible: MHFAs should act as a signpost to professional help, not a replacement for occupational health services.
- Integrate mental health support into your wellbeing policy and risk assessments.
While not legally required, providing mental health first aid is considered good practice, enhances your duty of care, and contributes to a safer, healthier, and a more supportive workplace.
