FM Staff Trained In Mental Health Awareness

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08 May 2015 | Updated 01 January 1970

Incentive FM has partnered with a UK charity to train staff on mental health awareness and suicide intervention.

Incentive’s team at St Stephen’s Shopping Centre in Hull took part in a successful pilot scheme ahead of a national roll out across other locations managed by the company which was looking for a way to assist its employees who may come into contact with someone who has thoughts of suicide.

The training course, delivered by Hull & East Yorkshire Mind, provided team members at St Stephen’s with a clear model for suicide intervention and the confidence to use this practice when needed. As a part of the training staff were taught how to recognise when a person might be thinking about suicide and how to respond to a suicide first aid situation.

After receiving positive feedback from participating employees at St Stephen’s, Incentive will now ensure the training is delivered to its staff at other locations across the UK.

This latest community project follows on from a joint national initiative with charity Guide Dogs to ensure blind and partially sighted people can safely enjoy trips to Incentive FM managed shopping centres. As a part of the project, staff underwent training to learn about appropriate levels of assistance and potential onsite hazards.

Vicky Anderson, Assistant Manager Hull Services, Hull & East Yorkshire Mind, said: “When you're experiencing a mental health problem, supportive and reliable information can change your life. Many FM staff are in regular contact with members of the public.”

Bruce McDonnell, MD at Incentive, said: “One in four people suffers from mental health problems. Whilst providing vital services in key public locations across the UK, our workforce comes into contact with hundreds of thousands of people on a daily basis. Therefore, we wanted to ensure that our employees are equipped with valuable skills that can make a real difference to people in need.”

Picture: With thanks to the Mental Health Foundation

Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 08 May 2015

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