The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has set up a fund designed improve access to mental health first aid training. Giving its members the chance to claim up to £125 towards the cost of a mental health training course, the £30,000 pot has been created in conjunction with NASC's Head for Heights campaign.
The Head for Heights campaign was set up with the intention of attacking the stigma that surrounds mental health, while simultaneously promoting a focus on the mental wellbeing of employees in the workplace. Speaking about the trade body's new fund, NASC president Lynn Way said: "The £30,000 funding pot will help pay for nearly 250 NASC member employees to complete a mental health first aid course. This will go a long way to improving awareness and understanding of mental health and wellbeing issues in the workplace and enable NASC members to better support their employees if and when they need to.
The Head for Heights campaign recently produced SG38:19, which contains lots of information and guidance relating to mental health in the workplace. As well as highlighting a range of useful services, the guide also contains mental health-focused toolbox talk and suggestions for proactive steps that employers can take to improve the mental health of their employees.
The creation of the new fund comes just one month after the NASC confirmed a fund of £150,000 dedicated to upskilling and training for former servicemen and women. There are currently five mental health first aid courses that are covered by the NASC's £30,000 funding pot. The courses are provided by St John Ambulance, LTC Training Services, 3B Training, MHFA England and the British Safety Council.
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