Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help given to someone experiencing a mental health problem before professional help is obtained.

The aims are:

• to preserve life where a person may be a danger to themselves or others
• to provide help to prevent the mental health problems developing into a more serious state
• to promote the recovery of good mental health
• to provide comfort to a person experiencing a mental health problem

Painting the picture is the title of the DVD which is used to support Mental Health First Aid training.  The DVD contains a series of six short documentaries where individuals talk openly and movingly about their experiences of mental illness, reflecting on their past, present and futures.

Painting the Picture has been a collaboration between the National Institute for Mental Health in England, Northumberland Tyne & Wear NHS Trust and MCCMEDIA.  The six short documentaries help others gain some awareness about the realities of mental illness. 

Painting the Picture: an insight into peoples experience of living with a mental illness. 

Use this site to find out how to recognise the symptoms of mental health problems, how to provide initial help and how to guide a person towards appropriate professional help.