(Robert Flemming - ready to help those who need it most)

Mental health is an issue that is growing in its significance and more importantly, how it is dealt with in the workplace.

Much support is already available from local organisations but did you know you can train to be a support worker for your colleagues? 

A two day course is available for employees that helps you learn more about mental health and how to recognise the symptoms and issues at an early stage.

One advocate of the training is Robert Fleming, Senior Roads Officer who explained why he got involved and took the course.

He said: “I was finding more and more of the road workers having to deal with mental wellbeing issues. The course provided me with the skills to intervene at an earlier stage and help recognise the symptoms hopefully before they become an issue.

“A lot of the workforce knows that I have been on the course and appear more willing to open up and discuss issues.

“This is a really good course which provides you with listening skills which help in everyday life but also in emergency situations and provides you with the skills to help people in what can be the lowest point in their life.”

The course is free to attend and takes place on 31 October and 1 November in Camelon Education Centre. You can book a place by contacting fiona.duff@falkirk.gov.uk (01324 506093) however you will need to get permission from your line manager to attend and be willing to act as a mental health first aider in the workplace following the course.

If you feel you may need support, lots of information is available on the Breathing Space website.