About MHFA
Introduction
Mental Health First Aid is exactly what it suggests, a first aid approach to mental health. Originally conceived by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm in Australia, the introduction of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) has become an international activity: Hong Kong, Finland, Singapore, Canada and Scotland have all introduced mental health first aid. Wales and Ireland are currently working on introducing MHFA, so along with the introduction to England, UK wide coverage will be achieved.
What is 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
MHFA does not teach people to be therapists. However, it does teach people how to recognise the symptoms of mental health problems, how to provide initial help and how to guide a person towards appropriate professional help.
Our Logo & Images
Our logo was developed by one of the National Training Team (Caroline Hounsell) and was part of creating the brand & imagery for Mental Health First Aid. Drawing on her past experiences, Caroline used the ideas and suggestions from other people to create the first aid box with the head silhouette. To turn this image into reality, Hoff & Hoff design consultancy offered their expertise in creating the final graphic package. Catherine Hoff very kindly offered her time, and the support of her team to us as part of sponsoring the development of our materials.
Other images in the package include a series of photographs, some of which were designed and provided by John Hounsell. Within the package, these images help to combat some of the myths and stereo types commonly associated with mental health.
The internation logo found on our materials originates from the australian originators of Mental Health First Aid. The Mental Health First Aid logo consists of a stylised flannel flower (Actinotus helianthi) in the centre of the international symbol for First Aid. The Flannel Flower is a trademark of the Mental Health Council of Australia as a symbol of mental health awareness in Australia.