Mental Health Training for Supervisors

The supervisor is typically the first to recognise that there is a problem with a team member. This is why Mental Health Training for Supervisors is so important. It equips the supervisor with the necessary skills to manage the situation.

Spotting Early Warning Signs

Changes in behaviour are often the first sign of a problem. A team member who previously was reliable and met their deadlines on time is no longer. They may be withdrawing from their team or are displaying signs of irritability. With training you will be able to tell whether someone is just having a bad week or if there is a more serious issue that needs to be addressed.

Having a First Conversation

A good training course will enable you to have an initial conversation with your team member or staff member using a simple structure to discuss what you have observed, ask an open question and listen for solutions to the problem that the team member or staff member may come up with. This initial conversation needs to be enough to make the team member or staff member feel that you have seen them and are willing to listen and support them.

Referring to the Right Support

Knowing when to refer someone to occupational health or an employee assistance program (where available) and how to make the referral in a supportive manner is a core skill for supervisors that is covered by mental health training for supervisors. Also covered is what to do if the person does not want to use the program.

Adjusting Duties in the Short Term

Adjusting duties in the short term: a temporary reduction in work or a change in task can help someone get back on track quickly. Supervisor training will show you how to make such changes in a way that is seen to be fair and time-bound.

Documenting and Maintaining Confidentiality

Keeping track of what you have discussed and what agreements have been made and recording any changes to a person’s role or duties in order to maintain confidentiality and meet your duties in respect of HSE guidance on work-related stress and mental health. Mental Health Training Courses Plymouth is covered in more detail at //www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/plymouth/.

Training will not make you a counsellor but it will make you a much more confident and informed first point of contact for people who are struggling.