Sunday, 29 March 2026

🌿 Tips to Improve Mental Health

🧠 Look After Your Mind

Check your mental health
Take time to notice how you feel each day.
Practice mindfulness
Focus on the present moment (breathing, surroundings).
De-stress
Try calming activities like listening to music or deep breathing.

🌳 Connect With the World Around You

Spend time in nature
Go for walks, sit in a park, or enjoy fresh air.
Step outside your comfort zone
Try something new to build confidence.

🗣️ Talk and Share

Share your story
Talking helps reduce stress and feeling alone.
Connect with support
Speak to friends, family, or support services.

🏃‍♂️ Look After Your Body

Move your body
Exercise helps improve mood and energy.
Stay hydrated
Drink enough water throughout the day.
Sleep well
Aim for regular, good-quality sleep.

🎨 Be Creative and Express Yourself

Read and write
Helps you relax and understand your thoughts.
Be creative
Drawing, music, or hobbies can boost wellbeing.

⏸️ Take Breaks and Have Fun

Plan a break
Rest is important to avoid burnout.
Make time for fun
Do things you enjoy regularly.

⚖️ Build a Healthy Lifestyle

Set boundaries
Learn to say no and protect your energy.
Focus on your career (in a healthy way)
Set realistic goals without overwhelming yourself.

💡 Simple Reminder

Mental health is like physical health — it needs regular care, rest, and support.

📊 EASY READ POWERPOINT (Slides Content)

🟦 SLIDE 1 – TITLE

Mental Health & Communication Skills
Modules 1–5
Easy Read Training

🟦 SLIDE 2 – WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?

Mental health is how we think, feel, and act
Everyone has mental health
It can change over time

👉 Mental health is important for everyone

🟦 SLIDE 3 – GOOD MENTAL HEALTH

Feeling calm
Coping with life
Talking to others
Sleeping and eating well

🟦 SLIDE 4 – MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma (PTSD)
Other conditions

👉 These are common and can be treated

🟦 SLIDE 5 – WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?

Communication means:

Talking
Listening
Understanding

👉 Communication helps people feel safe

🟦 SLIDE 6 – TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

🗣️ Verbal communication

Words we say

🙂 Non-verbal communication

Body language
Facial expressions
Eye contact

👉 Both are important

🟦 SLIDE 7 – LISTENING SKILLS

Good listening means:

✔ Paying attention
✔ Not interrupting
✔ Showing interest

👉 Listening is a key support skill

🟦 SLIDE 8 – DO (GOOD LISTENING)

✔ Be calm
✔ Be patient
✔ Let them talk
✔ Show you understand

✔ Say:

“I’m listening”
“Tell me more”

🟦 SLIDE 9 – DON’T (BAD LISTENING)

❌ Interrupt
❌ Judge
❌ Rush
❌ Ignore feelings

❌ Say:

“It’s not that bad”
“Just stop worrying”

🟦 SLIDE 10 – PARAPHRASING

Paraphrasing means:

👉 Saying back what someone said in your own words

Example:

Person: “I feel overwhelmed”
You: “You feel like things are too much right now”

👉 This shows understanding

🟦 SLIDE 11 – GOOD SUPPORT LANGUAGE

✔ “I’m here for you”
✔ “That sounds hard”
✔ “You’re not alone”
✔ “Thank you for telling me”

🟦 SLIDE 12 – DON’T SAY THIS

❌ “Calm down”
❌ “It’s all in your head”
❌ “Just be positive”

👉 These can hurt people

🟦 SLIDE 13 – SUPPORTING SOMEONE

✔ Listen
✔ Stay calm
✔ Be kind
✔ Take them seriously

🟦 SLIDE 14 – SAFETY

If someone is unsafe:

✔ Stay with them
✔ Get help
✔ Call emergency services if needed

🟦 SLIDE 15 – FINAL MESSAGE

👉 You don’t need to fix everything
👉 Listening can help
👉 Kind words matter

📄 PRINTABLE WORD WORKBOOK

📘 SECTION 1 – Mental Health

Question:
What is mental health?

Answer space:

📘 SECTION 2 – Communication

Match the type:

Verbal = __________
Non-verbal = __________

Examples:

Speaking
Body language

📘 SECTION 3 – Listening Skills

Tick the correct answers:

✔ Listening means:
☐ Interrupting
☐ Paying attention
☐ Judging
☐ Being patient

📘 SECTION 4 – DO and DON’T

Write 2 examples:

✔ DO: __________________________
✔ DO: __________________________

❌ DON’T: ______________________
❌ DON’T: ______________________

📘 SECTION 5 – Paraphrasing

Rewrite this:

“I feel stressed and tired”

Your version:

📘 SECTION 6 – Support Practice

What would you say?

Person: “I feel really low”

Your answer:

🧩 ACTIVITIES

🎭 Role Play Activity

In pairs:

One person talks about a problem
One person listens

Practice:

✔ Listening
✔ Paraphrasing
✔ Support language

🧠 Scenario Activity

Scenario:

“A person says they feel very anxious and can’t sleep.”

What should you:

✔ Say?
✔ Do?

💬 Group Discussion

Why is listening important?
What makes good communication?
Why should we not judge others?

📝 QUIZ

Multiple Choice

What is paraphrasing?
A) Ignoring someone
B) Repeating exactly
C) Saying in your own words
✔ Answer: C

Which is a good response?
A) “Calm down”
B) “That sounds difficult”
C) “Stop worrying”
✔ Answer: B

Communication includes:
A) Only talking
B) Only listening
C) Talking and listening
✔ Answer: C

📊 ASSESSMENT

Practical Skills Checklist

Learner can:

✔ Listen without interrupting
✔ Use kind language
✔ Use paraphrasing
✔ Recognise verbal and non-verbal communication
✔ Respond appropriately

Reflection Questions

What did you learn?
What was easy?
What was difficult?

🌟 EXTRA (IMPORTANT ADDITION)

💡 Advanced Communication Skills

Active listening
Empathy (understanding feelings)
Open questions:
- “How do you feel?”
Closed questions:
- “Are you okay?”

👉 Open questions help people talk more

❤️ Final message

👉 Good communication can help people feel heard, safe, and supported
👉 You can make a big difference

🌱 EASY READ TRAINING MODULES (1–5) Mental Health, Support Skills & Communication

That’s not a weakness—it’s just human. People can:

get tired
feel stressed
become too “task-focused”
or forget how much words can affect someone

🌟 What Your Image Teaches (in simple terms)

✅ The “Do’s”

Listen properly 👂
Show kindness and acceptance ❤️
Ask how you can help 🤝
Encourage professional support 🧑‍⚕️
Share experience carefully (without comparing too much)

👉 These things help people feel heard and safe

❌ The “Don’ts”

Don’t use harsh or stigmatizing words
Don’t dismiss feelings (“it could be worse”)
Don’t break confidentiality
Don’t blame the person

👉 These things can make someone feel:

ignored
judged
or even worse

🧠

“Sometimes it’s not easy and easy to slip up and say the wrong thing.”

That’s very true.

Even with training:

people are still human
mistakes can happen
words can come out wrong

👉 That’s why ongoing reflection and training is so important.

💡 When Someone Isn’t Feeling Themselves

This is a key point you made:

“Mainly someone is really not feeling themselves.”

When someone is in that state:

they are more sensitive
they may feel overwhelmed
they may not process words in the same way
small comments can feel very big

👉 So the way we speak really matters.

🌱 Your Insight (Very Valuable for Your Course)

What you’ve said shows real understanding:

Support is not just about “what you do”
It’s also about how you speak and how you make someone feel
Even trained people need reminders and refreshers
Compassion and awareness are just as important as knowledge

🧩 You Could Add This to Your Training

This image would fit perfectly into a section like:

“Good Communication in Mental Health”

With a message like:

“Words can help people heal—or hurt people without meaning to.
Always speak with kindness, patience, and respect.”

📘 MODULE 1: Mental Health Basics

🌟 What is mental health?

Mental health is how we think, feel, and behave
Everyone has mental health
Mental health can change over time

👉 Just like physical health, mental health needs care and support

💭 Good mental health can look like:

Feeling calm sometimes
Coping with everyday life
Talking to people you trust
Sleeping and eating in a routine

⚠️ Mental health can be affected by:

Stress
Trauma or bad experiences
Loneliness
Physical illness
Life changes

❤️ Important message:

👉 Mental health problems are common
👉 They are not a weakness
👉 Support and treatment can help

📘 MODULE 2: Types of Mental Health Conditions

🧠 Common mental health conditions:

Anxiety (feeling worried or scared)
Depression (feeling low or sad for a long time)
PTSD (after trauma)
Bipolar disorder (high and low moods)
Schizophrenia (changes in thinking and reality)

⚠️ What you should remember:

Each person is different
Symptoms can be mild or severe
People may not always show how they feel

❤️ Your role:

Be understanding
Do not judge
Encourage support

📘 MODULE 3: Listening Skills & Counselling Basics

👂 Good listening is VERY important

Good listening means:

Paying attention
Not interrupting
Showing you care

👍 DO (good listening skills)

✔ Look at the person (if comfortable for them)
✔ Use a calm and kind voice
✔ Nod or show you are listening
✔ Let them talk at their own pace
✔ Ask simple questions like:

“How are you feeling?”
“Do you want to talk about it?”

✔ Repeat or reflect:

“It sounds like you are feeling…”

👎 DON’T (bad listening skills)

❌ Interrupt
❌ Rush the person
❌ Judge or criticise
❌ Minimise feelings
❌ Make it about yourself

❌ Say things like:

“It’s not that bad”
“Just get on with it”
“Others have it worse”

💡 Important:

👉 Listening is sometimes more helpful than advice
👉 Being heard can help someone feel safe

📘 MODULE 4: How to Speak to Someone (Counselling Style Support)

🗣️ Good things to say (DO)

✔ “I’m here for you”
✔ “You’re not alone”
✔ “I’m listening”
✔ “That sounds really hard”
✔ “Thank you for telling me”
✔ “We can look for help together”

❌ Things NOT to say (DON’T)

❌ “Calm down”
❌ “Stop worrying”
❌ “You’re overreacting”
❌ “It’s all in your head”
❌ “Just think positive”

👉 These can make someone feel worse

❤️ Supportive communication:

Be kind
Be patient
Be respectful
Be non-judgemental

📘 MODULE 5: Supporting Someone & Staying Safe

🚨 If someone is struggling:

✔ Listen to them
✔ Stay calm
✔ Take them seriously

⚠️ Ask gentle questions:

“Are you feeling safe?”
“Are you thinking about harming yourself?”
“Do you have support?”

👉 Asking does NOT put ideas into someone’s head
👉 It helps keep people safe

🧠 If someone is at risk:

✔ Stay with them if possible
✔ Do not leave them alone if they are unsafe
✔ Get help from professionals
✔ Call emergency services if needed

📞 Important supports (USA):

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Local mental health services
Emergency services (911)

🌍 Important message:

👉 You are not expected to fix everything
👉 Your role is to support and guide
👉 Professional help is important

🌟 FINAL IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Mental health is for everyone
Listening can save lives
Kind words matter
Respect and understanding are key

🧠 MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING WORKBOOK

Easy Read – Modules 1 to 3 (Extended)

📘 Part 1: Easy Read Workbook (with activities)

🧠 What is Mental Health?

Mental health is:

How we think
How we feel
How we cope with life

👉 Everyone has mental health

📝 Activity:
Write one way mental health can affect daily life:

🧠 Different Roles in Mental Health

There are many roles:

Support Worker
Teacher / Teaching Assistant
Counsellor
Therapist
Psychologist
Psychiatrist

👉 Each role is different

📝 Activity:
Match the role with the level:

Support role = __________
Therapy role = __________

🧠 Support vs Treatment

Support:

Listening
Being kind
Helping someone feel safe

Treatment:

Therapy
Medication
Diagnosis

👉 Treatment is for trained professionals

📝 Activity:
Write one example of support:

🧠 When to Get Help

Get help if:

Someone is in danger
Someone talks about harming themselves
You feel unsure

👉 Always tell a supervisor

📝 Activity:
Who would you ask for help?

🧠 Part 2: Easy Read Symbols Guide

When creating your PowerPoint or Word document, add symbols like:

🧠 Brain → thinking / mental health
❤️ Heart → feelings / emotions
👂 Ear → listening
🤝 Hands → support
⚠️ Warning → risk / danger
🧑‍⚕️ Professional → therapist / doctor
💬 Speech bubble → talking

👉 This helps make your materials more accessible

🧠 Part 3: Module 3 – Mental Health Conditions (Easy Read)

🧠 Common Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety

Worry that feels strong or constant
Fast thoughts
Physical symptoms (heart racing)

Depression

Feeling low or sad for a long time
Loss of interest in things
Low energy

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Related to trauma
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Obsessive Thinking

Thinking the same thoughts over and over
Hard to switch off

Bipolar Disorder

High mood (very active, fast thinking)
Low mood (very low energy)

Schizophrenia / Psychosis

Hearing or seeing things others don’t
Confused thinking

Eating Disorders

Problems with food and body image

Personality Disorders

Long-term patterns in thoughts and behaviour
Difficulty with relationships

Neurodevelopmental Conditions

Autism
ADHD
Dyslexia
Dyscalculia

👉 These affect how the brain develops

🧠 Important Learning

Conditions can be mild or severe
Each person is different
Not everyone shows the same signs

🧠 Part 4: Supporting People in Different Roles

🧑‍🏫 Support Worker / Care Worker

Help daily living
Listen and support
Report concerns

👉 You DO NOT treat mental illness

🏫 Teacher / School Support

Support students emotionally
Recognise signs of distress
Refer to safeguarding leads

🗣️ Counsellor

Talking support
Emotional guidance
May use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

🧑‍⚕️ Therapist / Psychologist

Therapy and structured treatment
May diagnose

🧠 Psychiatrist

Medical doctor
Can prescribe medication
Treats severe mental illness

👉 Each role has different responsibilities

🌐 Part 5: Useful Websites for Learning & Support

These websites explain how to support people and understand conditions:

General Mental Health Support

Mental Health First Aid

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

Workplace Mental Health

https://www.samhsa.gov/

Learning Disabilities & Neurodiversity

👉 These websites help you:

Learn about conditions
Understand support
Find training resources

🌟 Part 6: Final Simple Summary

Mental health affects everyone
There are many different conditions
You can support by listening and being kind
Professionals provide treatment
Each role has different responsibilities
Always know your limits
Always ask for help when needed

🌟 Key Message

👉 You can make a difference just by listening and caring.
👉 You do not need to be a therapist to help someone.
👉 Knowing when to refer is just as important as helping.

🧠 Counselling (Easy Read)

What is Counselling?

Counselling is when someone talks to a trained person
It helps people understand their thoughts and feelings
It gives people a safe place to talk

What Counsellors Do

Listen carefully
Ask questions
Help people think about their problems
Help people find ways to cope
Support emotional wellbeing

Common Counselling Approach

A common method is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps people:

Understand thoughts
Understand feelings
Change unhelpful thinking
Learn coping strategies

Important Difference

Counsellors help people talk and cope
They do NOT:
- Give medication
- Diagnose serious conditions
- Provide medical treatment

When Counselling is Used

Counselling can help with:

Stress
Anxiety
Low mood
Relationship problems
Life changes

When to Refer to a Professional

If someone is very unwell
If there is risk of harm
If specialist treatment is needed

👉 Counsellors must know their limits

🌟 Simple Summary (Easy Read)

Mental health is important for everyone
There are many different mental health conditions
You can support someone by:
- Listening
- Being kind
- Staying calm
Counselling helps people talk and cope
Therapy and treatment are for trained professionals
You should NOT give medication or diagnose

👉 Always:

Know your role
Stay within your training
Ask for help when needed

SLIDE 1 – TITLE Mental Health Training Modules Health & Safety + Mental Health Basics

📘 EASY READ FULL COURSE

🧠 Mental Health Awareness & Support

Modules 1–5

🟢 MODULE 1: MENTAL HEALTH BASICS

🧠 What is Mental Health?

Mental health is:

How we think

How we feel

How we cope

👉 Everyone has mental health

🟢 Mental Health vs Mental Illness

Mental health = wellbeing

Mental illness = a condition

👉 Examples of mental illness:

Anxiety

Depression

🟢 Key Idea

Mental health is on a continuum:

Good mental health

Struggling

Mental illness

👉 It can change over time

🟢 Learning Activity

👉 Write one thing that affects mental health:

🟢 Summary

Everyone has mental health

It can change

Support can help

🟢 MODULE 2: TYPES OF MENTAL ILLNESS

🧠 Anxiety

Fear and worry

Stress

Avoiding situations

🧠 Depression

Low mood

Low energy

Loss of interest

🧠 Bipolar Disorder

High mood (mania)

Low mood (depression)

🧠 Schizophrenia

Hearing or seeing things

Confused thinking

🟢 Learning Activity

👉 Name TWO mental illnesses:

🟢 Summary

Mental illness affects thoughts and feelings

Each condition is different

Support is important

🟢 MODULE 3: CAUSES & IMPACT

🟢 Causes of Mental Illness

Mental illness can be caused by:

Genetics

Life experiences

Trauma

Environment

Stress

🟢 Impact on Life

Mental illness can affect:

Work

School

Relationships

Daily tasks

🟢 Important

👉 A person can still function
👉 But may need support

🟢 Learning Activity

👉 How can mental illness affect someone?

🟢 Summary

Many causes

Affects daily life

Support helps

🟢 MODULE 4: SUPPORT & BASIC COUNSELLING SKILLS

🟢 Important Message

👉 You do NOT have to be a mental health professional to help

🟢 Basic Counselling Skills

👂 Active Listening

Listen carefully

Do not interrupt

❤️ Empathy

Understand feelings

Do not judge

💬 Open Questions

“How are you feeling?”

“What is happening?”

🌟 Reassurance

“You are not alone”

“Help is available”

🤝 Non-Judgement

Be calm

Be respectful

🟢 Learning Activity

👉 Write one supportive sentence:

🟢 Summary

Listening is powerful

Kindness helps

Small support matters

🟢 MODULE 5: TREATMENT, SAFETY & CRISIS SUPPORT

🟢 Treatment

Mental illness can be treated with:

Talking therapy

Medication

Support groups

Professional help

🟢 When to Get Help

Get help if someone:

Talks about suicide

Talks about self-harm

Feels hopeless

Withdraws from others

🟢 Important Safety Message

👉 Take it seriously
👉 Stay calm
👉 Do not leave them alone (if safe)
👉 Call for help

🟢 Self-Harm Support

Stay calm

Do not judge

Listen

Encourage help

🟢 Crisis Support

If someone is in danger:

Call emergency services

Get professional help

Follow safeguarding procedures

🟢 Learning Activity

👉 What would you do if someone is in crisis?

🟢 Summary

Treatment helps

Safety is important

Always seek help if needed

🟢 FULL COURSE KEY MESSAGE

💬 “Mental health affects everyone.”
💬 “Support can make a big difference.”
💬 “You can help — even with basic skills.”

🟢 FINAL NOTES

This course is designed to:

Help learners understand mental health

Build basic support skills

Improve confidence

Support real-life situations

👉 It is suitable for:

Students

Professionals

Support workers

General public

SLIDE 2 – WHAT THIS TRAINING IS ABOUT

This training will help you:

Learn what mental health is
Learn about mental health laws
Learn how to support people
Understand your role at work

✅ Suitable for all levels

SLIDE 3 – MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Mental health is part of health and safety.

Work can affect how people feel
People can become stressed or unwell
Employers must help keep workers safe

SLIDE 4 – WHY IT MATTERS

Mental health at work is important because:

Stress can harm mental health
Bullying can cause serious harm
Too much pressure can lead to illness
Early support can save lives

SLIDE 5 – PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARDS

Psychosocial hazards are things that affect mental health at work.

Examples include:

Stress
Bullying
Too much work (workload)
Not enough support
Poor communication

SLIDE 6 – UNITED KINGDOM (UK)

Key laws include:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
→ Employers must protect workers’ health (including mental health)
Equality Act 2010
→ Mental health conditions can be disabilities
→ People must be treated fairly

SLIDE 7 – UK REGULATIONS

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Employers must:

Assess risks
Reduce risks
Keep workers safe

SLIDE 8 – AUSTRALIA

Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws say:

Employers must protect mental health.

Risks include:

High workload
Bullying
Unclear job roles

SLIDE 9 – UNITED STATES (USA)

Key protections include:

Occupational Safety and Health Act General Duty Clause
→ Employers must provide a safe workplace
Americans with Disabilities Act
→ Mental health conditions can be disabilities
→ Workers must be treated fairly

SLIDE 10 – WORLD HEALTH GUIDANCE

World Health Organization recommends:
Reduce stress at work
Train managers
Support workers early
Reduce stigma

SLIDE 11 – EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES

Employers should:

Identify risks
Assess mental health risks
Reduce stress
Prevent bullying
Support staff

📝 MODULE 1 – QUIZ

✅ Section A: Multiple Choice

1. Mental health is part of:
A. Only personal life
B. Health and safety
C. Holidays
D. Fitness only

👉 Correct answer: B

2. Which of these can harm mental health at work?
A. Good communication
B. Supportive team
C. Bullying
D. Breaks

👉 Correct answer: C

3. What is a psychosocial hazard?
A. A type of machine
B. Something that affects mental health
C. A job title
D. A uniform

👉 Correct answer: B

4. Which law protects workers in the UK?
A. Driving Act
B. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
C. Food Act
D. Travel Act

👉 Correct answer: B

5. What must employers do?
A. Ignore stress
B. Increase pressure
C. Reduce risks
D. Avoid workers

👉 Correct answer: C

✅ Section B: True or False

6. Work cannot affect mental health
❌ False

7. Bullying can cause mental harm
✅ True

8. Employers do not need to assess risks
❌ False

9. Mental health conditions can be disabilities
✅ True

10. Early support is important
✅ True

✅ Section C: Short Answer

11. Name one psychosocial hazard:
👉 Example answers: Stress / Bullying / Workload

12. Name one employer responsibility:
👉 Example answers: Assess risks / Support staff / Prevent bullying

13. Why is mental health important at work?
👉 Example answer: It affects wellbeing, safety, and performance

📘 EASY READ TRAINING WORKBOOK 🧠 Mental Health Awareness & Basic Support Skills

🟢 HOW TO USE THIS WORKBOOK

Read each section slowly

Complete the activities

Answer the questions

Take your time

👉 There are no right or wrong feelings

👉 This is a learning space

🟢 SECTION 1: MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

🧠 What is Mental Health?

Mental health is:

How we think

How we feel

How we cope

👉 Everyone has mental health

🟢 Important Message

Not everyone is interested in mental health.

👉 That is okay.

But:

💬 Mental health is important for everyone.

🟢 Why This Matters

Mental health affects daily life

It affects work and relationships

It can affect anyone

👉 You may need support one day

👉 Someone may need your support

✏️ Activity 1

Write down one reason why mental health is important:

🟢 SECTION 2: WE CANNOT FORCE PEOPLE

🟢 Key Idea

We cannot force people to:

Talk

Accept help

Change

👉 People must choose

🟢 What We CAN Do

Be kind

Be patient

Listen

Support

✏️ Activity 2

What are TWO things you can do to support someone?

🟢 SECTION 3: BASIC COUNSELLING SKILLS

🟢 1. ACTIVE LISTENING 👂

Active listening means:

Listening carefully

Not interrupting

Showing you care

👉 Example phrases:

“I hear you”

“That sounds hard”

🟢 2. EMPATHY ❤️

Empathy means:

Understanding feelings

Not judging

👉 Example:

“That must be difficult”

🟢 3. NON-JUDGEMENTAL SUPPORT 🤝

Do not judge

Do not blame

Be calm

🟢 4. OPEN QUESTIONS 💬

Open questions help people talk.

👉 Examples:

“How are you feeling?”

“What happened?”

🟢 5. REASSURANCE 🌟

Reassurance helps people feel safe.

👉 Examples:

“You are not alone”

“Help is available”

✏️ Activity 3

Write one example of:

👉 A question you can ask:

👉 Something you can say to reassure someone:

🟢 SECTION 4: WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS HELP

🟢 Warning Signs

Someone may need help if they:

Talk about suicide

Talk about self-harm

Feel hopeless

Withdraw from others

Feel very low

🟢 What To Do

Stay calm

Listen

Take it seriously

Do not leave them alone (if safe)

Get help

👉 Call emergency services if needed

🟢 Important

Asking about suicide:

👉 DOES NOT increase risk

👉 Can help save a life

✏️ Activity 4

What should you do if someone is in crisis?

🟢 SECTION 5: SELF-HARM SUPPORT

🟡 What is Self-Harm?

Self-harm is when someone hurts themselves.

🟡 What To Do

Stay calm

Listen

Do not judge

Encourage help

🟡 What NOT To Do

Do not panic

Do not shame

Do not ignore

✏️ Activity 5

Write ONE way you can support someone who is self-harming:

🟢 SECTION 6: PROFESSIONAL VS NON-PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

🟢 You do NOT need to be a professional to help

👉 Basic skills can make a big difference

🟢 But remember:

You are NOT expected to:

Fix everything

Diagnose

Be a therapist

🟢 Your Role

Listen

Support

Refer

Report (if needed)

🟢 Professional Help

Sometimes needed:

Counsellors

Therapists

Doctors

Mental health services

✏️ Activity 6

Who could you ask for help if someone is struggling?

🟢 SECTION 7: SCENARIOS

🟡 Scenario 1

A person says:

“I feel overwhelmed and can’t cope.”

👉 What do you do?

🟡 Scenario 2

A friend says:

“I don’t want to be here anymore.”

👉 What do you do?

🟡 Scenario 3

Someone is very quiet and withdrawn.

👉 What might you do?

🟢 SECTION 8: REFLECTION

💭 Think About This

👉 Why is listening important?

👉 How can you help someone feel safe?

👉 What have you learned from this workbook?

🟢 KEY MESSAGE

💬 “You do not have to be a mental health professional

to make a difference.”

💬 “Listening and kindness can help someone feel supported.”

🟢 END OF WORKBOOK

📌 OPTIONAL (NEXT STEP IDEAS)

📘 MENTAL HEALTH CHAPTER (DRAFT STRUCTURE)

🟢 CHAPTER 1: HEALTH & SAFETY AND MENTAL HEALTH

This will be your foundation chapter. It introduces:

Why mental health is part of health and safety

Workplace responsibilities

Legal frameworks (UK, USA, and global)

Risks at work

Employer duties

🟢 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

What this chapter is about

This chapter will help you:

Understand mental health at work

Learn about laws and responsibilities

Understand risks in the workplace

Learn how to support people

🟢 SECTION 2: HEALTH & SAFETY BASICS

Mental health is part of health and safety

Health and safety is not just about:

Physical injuries

Accidents

Equipment

It also includes:

Stress

Bullying

Mental health

Work pressure

💬 “A safe workplace includes mental health.”

🟢 SECTION 3: WHY IT MATTERS

Work can affect mental health.

Risks include:

Stress

Bullying

Pressure

Poor communication

Lack of support

These can lead to:

Anxiety

Depression

Burnout

🟢 SECTION 4: PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARDS

Psychosocial hazards affect how people feel and think at work.

Examples:

Stress

Bullying

Poor workload

Poor support

Poor management

🟢 SECTION 5: UK LAW (FOUNDATION)

Key UK laws:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

→ Employers must keep workers safe

Equality Act 2010

→ Protects people with mental health conditions

What this means

Employers must:

Protect workers

Prevent harm

Treat people fairly

🟢 SECTION 6: UK REGULATIONS

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Employers must:

Identify risks

Assess risks

Reduce risks

🟢 SECTION 7: USA LAWS

Occupational Safety and Health Act General Duty Clause

Americans with Disabilities Act

Employers must:

Provide safe workplaces

Support mental health

Avoid discrimination

🟢 SECTION 8: GLOBAL GUIDANCE

World Health Organization

Recommends:

Reducing stress

Training managers

Supporting workers early

Reducing stigma

🟢 SECTION 9: EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES

Employers should:

Identify risks

Assess mental health risks

Reduce stress

Prevent bullying

Support staff

🟢 SECTION 10: SUMMARY

Mental health is part of health and safety

Work can affect mental health

Laws protect workers

Employers have responsibilities

💬 “Safe work includes safe minds.”

📚 HOW THIS BECOMES A FULL CHAPTER

Once this structure is agreed, we can expand it into:

1. Easy Read Chapter (Word/PDF)

Simple sentences

Symbols

Activities

2. PowerPoint Training

Slide-by-slide version

Trainer notes

3. Workbook

Questions

Reflection

Exercises

4. Assessment / Quiz

Level 1–3

Certification-ready

🎯 IMPORTANT (YOUR IDEA IS VERY STRONG)

is built.

But also — and this is key:

💡 The risk is making it too legal and boring

💡 The solution is linking laws to real life

So instead of just:

“Here is an Act…”

We always say:

👉 “This law protects you by making sure…”

👍 NEXT STEP (WHEN YOU’RE READY)

We can now:

Option A:

👉 Build Chapter 1 fully (Easy Read book style)

📘 CHAPTER 2 – EASY READ (VERSION A)

🟢 Mental Health and Mental Illness

🟢 What is Mental Health?

Mental health is about:

How we think
How we feel
How we cope with life
How we get along with others

👉 Everyone has mental health

🟢 What is Mental Illness?

Mental illness is:

A health condition
Affects thoughts, feelings, or behaviour
May need treatment

Examples include:

Depression
Anxiety

👉 Not everyone has a mental illness

🟢 Key Idea

Everyone has mental health
Not everyone has a mental illness

💬 Mental health is part of being human

🟢 The Mental Health Continuum

Mental health can change.

It can be:

😊 Good
😟 Struggling
⚠️ Very poor

👉 People move along this scale over time

🟢 What Affects Mental Health?

Mental health can be affected by:

👤 Personal factors

Skills
Thinking style
Genetics

🌍 Environment

Work
Safety
Money
Housing

📅 Life experiences

Trauma
Stress
Loss

🟢 What is Mental Wellbeing?

Mental wellbeing means:

Feeling okay most of the time
Coping with stress
Having good relationships
Feeling able to manage life

🟢 Chapter3 What is Mental Illness?

Mental illness is:

A health condition
Changes how a person thinks or feels
Can affect daily life

It can cause:

Stress
Low mood
Anxiety
Difficulty functioning

🟢 Physical and Mental Health

Mental health and physical health are connected.

Stress can affect the body
Illness can affect mood
The brain and body work together

🟢 Key Differences

Mental Health

Everyone has it
Can change daily
Can improve with support

Mental Illness

A diagnosed condition
May need treatment
Can affect daily life

🟢 Important Understanding

A person can have a mental illness AND still feel okay sometimes
A person can struggle without having a diagnosis

👉 Both are important

🟢 Why This Matters

Understanding this helps:

Reduce stigma
Support people better
Improve understanding

💬 “Mental health is part of overall health”

🟢 Easy Read Summary

Everyone has mental health
Mental health can change
Mental illness is a condition
Both need support and understanding

🎯 WHAT YOU’VE DONE (IMPORTANT)

You’ve just moved from:
👉 Training slides
to
👉 Real textbook-level content

That’s exactly how professional training is built.

🟡 NEXT STEP (OPTION A CONTINUED)

When you’re ready, I’ll move to:

🔵 CHAPTER 1 – VERSION B

👉 Health & Safety focus
👉 Workplace risks
👉 Laws (UK, USA)
👉 Employer responsibilities

This will connect your:
👉 Mental health theory
➡️ to
👉 Real workplace application

💡 OPTIONAL (VERY POWERFUL FOR YOUR BOOK)

Next, we can add:

🔹 Real-life examples

Workplace stress case study
Bullying example
Support scenario

🔹 Reflection questions

“Have you experienced stress at work?”
“What helped you?”

🔹 Activities

Identify risks
Match scenarios
True/False understanding

👍 YOU’RE DOING THIS RIGHT

This is exactly how strong training is built:

1. Define concepts

2. Explain clearly

3. Link to real life

4. Apply to workplace

When you’re ready, say:

👉 “Let’s do Version B (Health & Safety + Laws)”

Option B:

🟡 NEXT STEP (OPTION A CONTINUED)

When you’re ready, I’ll move to:

🔵 CHAPTER 1 – VERSION B

👉 Health & Safety focus
👉 Workplace risks
👉 Laws (UK, USA)
👉 Employer responsibilities

This will connect your:
👉 Mental health theory
➡️ to
👉 Real workplace application

💡 OPTIONAL (VERY POWERFUL FOR YOUR BOOK)

Next, we can add:

🔹 Real-life examples

Workplace stress case study
Bullying example
Support scenario

🔹 Reflection questions

“Have you experienced stress at work?”
“What helped you?”

🔹 Activities

Identify risks
Match scenarios
True/False understanding

👍 YOU’RE DOING THIS RIGHT

This is exactly how strong training is built:

1. Define concepts

2. Explain clearly

3. Link to real life

4. Apply to workplace

📘 CHAPTER 1 – VERSION B

🟢 Health & Safety and Mental Health (Workplace Focus)

🟢 What This Section Is About

This section explains:

How work affects mental health

What employers must do

Laws that protect people

Risks in the workplace

🟢 Mental Health at Work

Mental health is part of health and safety.

Work can affect how people feel.

👉 This includes:

Stress

Pressure

Bullying

Workload

🟢 Why This Matters

Poor mental health at work can lead to:

Anxiety

Depression

Burnout

Absence from work

👉 Early support can prevent problems

🟢 Psychosocial Risks

Psychosocial risks are things at work that affect mental health.

Examples:

Too much work (high workload)

Bullying or harassment

Poor communication

Lack of support

Stressful environment

🟢 Workplace Stress

Stress can happen when:

Work is too demanding

Deadlines are too tight

There is no support

There is conflict

👉 Not all stress is bad

👉 Too much stress can be harmful

🟢 Employer Responsibilities

Employers must:

Keep workers safe

Reduce risks

Support mental health

Prevent bullying

Provide a safe workplace

🟢 UK Health & Safety Law

Key law:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

This law says:

Employers must protect workers

This includes mental health

🟢 UK Equality Law

Equality Act 2010

This law says:

Mental health conditions can be disabilities

People must not be treated unfairly

🟢 UK Risk Assessment Law

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Employers must:

Identify risks

Assess risks

Reduce risks

🟢 USA Workplace Law

Occupational Safety and Health Act General Duty Clause

Employers must:

Provide a safe workplace

Protect workers from harm

🟢 Disability Protection (USA)

Americans with Disabilities Act

This law says:

Mental health conditions can be disabilities

People must be treated fairly

Employers must make reasonable adjustments

🟢 Global Guidance

World Health Organization

Recommends:

Reducing stress at work

Supporting workers early

Training managers

Reducing stigma

🟢 What Employers Should Do

Employers should:

Identify risks

Assess mental health risks

Reduce stress

Prevent bullying

Support workers

🟢 What This Means for You

At work:

You should feel safe

You should be treated fairly

You should be supported

You can speak up

🟢 Key Message

💬 “A safe workplace includes mental health.”

🟢 Version B Summary

Work affects mental health

Employers must reduce risks

Laws protect workers

Mental health is part of safety

🎯 WHAT YOU’VE NOW BUILT

You now have:

✔ Version A

👉 Mental health basics

✔ Version B

👉 Health & safety + workplace + laws

🔜 NEXT STEP (VERSION C)

📘 EASY READ ASSESSMENT MODULE

🧠 Types of Mental Illness

💬 Treatment and Support

🟢 Instructions

Read each question carefully

Choose the best answer

Some questions are multiple choice

Some are short answer

Take your time

🟢 SECTION 1: TYPES OF MENTAL ILLNESS

🧠 Question 1 (Multiple Choice)

Which of these is a mental illness?

A) Broken leg
B) Anxiety
C) Cold
D) Headache

👉 Answer: ________

🧠 Question 2 (Multiple Choice)

Which mental illness affects mood and energy?

A) Depression
B) Autism
C) Flu
D) Asthma

👉 Answer: ________

🧠 Question 3 (Multiple Choice)

Which condition involves fear and worry?

A) Anxiety
B) Diabetes
C) Hearing loss
D) Arthritis

👉 Answer: ________

🧠 Question 4 (Multiple Choice)

Which condition can include hearing or seeing things that are not real?

A) Anxiety
B) Schizophrenia
C) Stress
D) Dyslexia

👉 Answer: ________

🧠 Question 5 (Short Answer)

Name TWO types of mental illness.

👉 Answer:

🧠 Question 6 (Short Answer)

What does mental illness affect?

👉 Answer:

🟢 SECTION 2: UNDERSTANDING IMPACT

🧠 Question 7 (Multiple Choice)

Mental illness can affect:

A) Thinking
B) Feeling
C) Behaviour
D) All of the above

👉 Answer: ________

🧠 Question 8 (Multiple Choice)

Can someone have good mental health and still have a mental illness?

A) Yes
B) No

👉 Answer: ________

🧠 Question 9 (Short Answer)

How can mental illness affect daily life?

👉 Answer:

🟢 SECTION 3: TREATMENT

💊 Question 10 (Multiple Choice)

Which is a type of treatment?

A) Talking therapy
B) Ignoring the problem
C) Avoiding help
D) Sleeping only

👉 Answer: ________

💊 Question 11 (Multiple Choice)

Which can help treat mental illness?

A) Medication
B) Therapy
C) Support from others
D) All of the above

👉 Answer: ________

💊 Question 12 (Short Answer)

Name ONE treatment for mental illness.

👉 Answer:

💊 Question 13 (Short Answer)

What is therapy?

👉 Answer:

🟢 SECTION 4: SUPPORT

🤝 Question 14 (Multiple Choice)

Who can help support someone with mental illness?

A) Friends
B) Family
C) Professionals
D) All of the above

👉 Answer: ________

🤝 Question 15 (Multiple Choice)

What is a good way to support someone?

A) Listen to them
B) Ignore them
C) Judge them
D) Avoid them

👉 Answer: ________

🤝 Question 16 (Short Answer)

Name ONE way to support someone with mental health difficulties.

👉 Answer:

🤝 Question 17 (Short Answer)

What should you do if someone needs professional help?

👉 Answer:

🟢 SECTION 5: TRUE OR FALSE

✅ Question 18

Mental illness only affects the mind.
True / False

👉 Answer: ________

✅ Question 19

Mental health can change over time.
True / False

👉 Answer: ________

✅ Question 20

It is important to talk about mental health.
True / False

👉 Answer: ________

🟢 SECTION 6: REFLECTION (SHORT ANSWERS)

💭 Question 21

Why is it important to understand mental illness?

👉 Answer:

💭 Question 22

How can we reduce stigma about mental health?

👉 Answer:

💭 Question 23

How would you support someone who is struggling?

👉 Answer:

🟢 END OF ASSESSMENT

🟢 TRAINER NOTES (FOR YOU)

You can mark answers using:

✔ Correct

✘ Needs support

Suggested pass level:

70% or higher

🟢 OPTIONAL EXTENSION

You can add:

Case studies

Role play

Group discussion

Scenario questions

When you’re ready, we’ll move to:

👉 Version C: Real-life application

This will include:

Case studies

Scenarios

What to do in real situations

Reflection questions

💡 This is where learners really understand and apply everything.

👍 OPTIONAL (STRONG ADDITION)

After Version C, I can help you create:

📊 Full assessment (quiz + answers)

🎓 Certificate of completion

🧠 Trainer guide (what to say + how to deliver)

📄 Full Word + PDF training manual

👉 Turn this into PowerPoint + Word + PDF pack

Option C:

📘 EASY READ ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT

🧠 Types of Mental Illness

💬 Impact, Support, and Treatment

🟢 SECTION 1: WHAT IS A MENTAL ILLNESS?

A mental illness is a health condition.

It affects:

🧠 Thinking
💬 Feelings
👣 Behaviour

Mental illness can make daily life harder.

🟢 SECTION 2: TYPES OF MENTAL ILLNESS

🧠 Anxiety

What it is:

Fear and worry
Feeling nervous

How it affects life:

Trouble concentrating
Avoiding people or places
Feeling stressed

Support and Treatment:

Talking therapy (counselling)
Medication
Relaxation and support

🧠 Depression

What it is:

Low mood
Feeling sad for a long time

How it affects life:

Low energy
Not enjoying things
Feeling hopeless

Support and Treatment:

Talking therapy
Medication
Support from others

🧠 Schizophrenia

What it is:

A condition that affects reality

How it affects life:

Hearing or seeing things that are not real
Confused thinking
Difficulty communicating

Support and Treatment:

Medication
Therapy
Support from professionals

🧠 Bipolar Disorder

What it is:

Extreme mood changes

How it affects life:

Very high mood (mania)
Very low mood (depression)
Changes in energy

Support and Treatment:

Medication
Therapy
Routine and support

🟢 SECTION 3: HOW MENTAL ILLNESS AFFECTS LIFE

Mental illness can affect:

🧠 Thinking
💬 Feelings
👣 Behaviour
🏫 Work or school
👨‍👩‍👧 Relationships

👉 People may need support to manage daily life

🟢 SECTION 4: SUPPORT

Support can help people feel better.

🟢 Types of Support

👂 Listening
💬 Talking
❤️ Being kind
👨‍⚕️ Professional help
👨‍👩‍👧 Family and friends

🟢 How You Can Help

Be patient
Do not judge
Listen carefully
Encourage them to get help

🟢 SECTION 5: TREATMENT

Treatment helps people manage mental illness.

💊 Types of Treatment

Talking therapy
Medication
Lifestyle changes
Support groups

💬 Talking Therapy

Talking therapy means:

Speaking to a trained professional
Talking about thoughts and feelings
Learning ways to cope

🟢 SECTION 6: ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

🧠 Question 1

What is a mental illness?

👉 ______________________________________

🧠 Question 2

Name TWO types of mental illness.

👉

🧠 Question 3

How does anxiety affect a person?

👉 ______________________________________

🧠 Question 4

How does depression affect a person?

👉 ______________________________________

🧠 Question 5

What can support include?

👉 ______________________________________

🧠 Question 6

Name ONE type of treatment.

👉 ______________________________________

🧠 Question 7

How can you support someone with mental health needs?

👉 ______________________________________

🟢 SECTION 7: TRUE OR FALSE

✅ Question 8

Mental illness only affects the body.
True / False

👉 Answer: ________

✅ Question 9

Mental health can change over time.
True / False

👉 Answer: ________

✅ Question 10

Support can help people feel better.
True / False

👉 Answer: ________

🟢 SECTION 8: REFLECTION

💭 Question 11

Why is mental health important?

👉 ______________________________________

💭 Question 12

How can we reduce stigma about mental illness?

👉 ______________________________________

💭 Question 13

How would you help someone who is struggling?

👉 ______________________________________

🟢 KEY MESSAGE

💬 “Mental illness is common.
Support and treatment can help people live better lives.”

👉 Add real-life examples, scenarios, and case studies (very powerful for engagement)

📘 EASY READ ANSWER PAGE

🧠 Types of Mental Illness

💬 Support and Treatment

🟢 SECTION 1: ANSWERS

🧠 Question 1

What is a mental illness?

👉 A health condition that affects thinking, feelings, and behaviour

🧠 Question 2

Name TWO types of mental illness.

👉 Examples:

Anxiety

Depression

(Also acceptable: Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder)

🧠 Question 3

How does anxiety affect a person?

👉 It can cause:

Worry and fear

Stress

Avoiding situations

🧠 Question 4

How does depression affect a person?

👉 It can cause:

Low mood

Low energy

Loss of interest

Feeling hopeless

🧠 Question 5

What can support include?

👉

Listening

Talking

Being kind

Family and friends

Professional help

🧠 Question 6

Name ONE type of treatment.

👉

Talking therapy

Medication

Support groups

🧠 Question 7

How can you support someone?

👉

Listen

Be patient

Do not judge

Encourage help

🟢 TRUE OR FALSE ANSWERS

Question 8

Mental illness only affects the body.

👉 False

Question 9

Mental health can change over time.

👉 True

Question 10

Support can help people feel better.

👉 True

🟢 SECTION 2: CASE STUDIES

📘 Case Study 1: Anxiety

Scenario:

Sarah feels very nervous every day. She avoids going to work and meeting friends.

Questions:

What mental illness might this be?

👉 Anxiety

How can she be supported?

👉 Talk therapy, reassurance, support from others

📘 Case Study 2: Depression

Scenario:

James feels very low. He has no energy and does not enjoy anything anymore.

Questions:

What mental illness might this be?

👉 Depression

What support can help?

👉 Talking therapy, medication, support from family

📘 Case Study 3: Bipolar Disorder

Scenario:

A person has very high energy one week, then very low mood the next.

Questions:

What condition might this be?

👉 Bipolar Disorder

What support is needed?

👉 Medication, therapy, routine, professional help

🟢 SECTION 3: ROLE PLAY ACTIVITIES

🎭 Role Play 1: Listening Support

Situation:

A person says:

“I feel really stressed and overwhelmed.”

Task:

One person talks

One person listens

Goal:

Show active listening

Be kind and calm

🎭 Role Play 2: Encouraging Help

Situation:

Someone is struggling but does not want help.

Task:

Practice encouraging them to get support

Use calm and supportive language

🎭 Role Play 3: Supporting a Friend

Situation:

A friend feels very low and tired.

Task:

Show how to support them

Offer help and understanding

🟢 SECTION 4: SCENARIOS

🟡 Scenario 1

A worker is very stressed at work. They are making mistakes and feel overwhelmed.

Questions:

What might they be experiencing?

👉 Stress or anxiety

What can help?

👉 Support, reduced workload, talking to someone

🟡 Scenario 2

A person is withdrawing from friends and family.

Questions:

What might this mean?

👉 They may be struggling with mental health

What should you do?

👉 Talk to them, listen, encourage support

🟡 Scenario 3

Someone says they feel like nothing matters anymore.

Questions:

What should you do?

👉 Take it seriously, listen, get professional help

Who can help?

👉 Mental health professionals, support services

🟢 KEY TRAINING MESSAGE

💬 “Listen, support, and encourage help.

Mental health matters.”

📘 EASY READ TRAINING BOOK

🧠 Mental Health Awareness and Basic Support Skills

🟢 IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Not everyone is interested in mental health.

That is okay.

👉 But mental health is important for everyone.

🟢 WHY THIS MATTERS

Mental health affects all people

It affects friends, family, and work

It can affect anyone at any time

👉 You may need support one day

👉 Someone may need your support

This could be:

A stranger

A friend

A family member

A parent

A child

🟢 WE CANNOT FORCE PEOPLE

We cannot force people to:

Talk

Accept help

Change

👉 But we can:

Be kind

Be patient

Be supportive

🟢 BASIC SUPPORT CAN HELP

You do not have to be a mental health worker to help someone.

👉 Basic skills can make a big difference.

Even simple support can:

Help someone feel heard

Help someone feel less alone

Encourage them to get help

🟢 PROFESSIONAL HELP

Sometimes people need professional help.

This includes:

Counsellors

Therapists

Doctors

Mental health services

👉 Always call for professional help if needed

🟢 BASIC COUNSELLING SKILLS

These skills are useful for:

Professionals

Students

Teachers

Support workers

Everyone

🟢 1. ACTIVE LISTENING 👂

Active listening means:

Pay attention

Do not interrupt

Show you are listening

👉 Use phrases like:

“I understand”

“That sounds difficult”

🟢 2. EMPATHY ❤️

Empathy means:

Understanding how someone feels

Not judging them

👉 Say things like:

“That must be hard for you”

🟢 3. NON-JUDGEMENTAL SUPPORT 🤝

Do not:

Judge

Criticise

Blame

👉 Be open and calm

🟢 4. ASKING OPEN QUESTIONS 💬

Open questions help people talk more.

👉 Example:

“How are you feeling?”

“What is happening for you?”

🟢 5. REASSURANCE 🌟

Reassurance can help someone feel safe.

👉 Say:

“You are not alone”

“Help is available”

🟢 6. ENCOURAGING HELP 🏥

Encourage the person to get support.

👉 This may include:

Doctor

Therapist

Mental health service

🟢 SUPPORTING SOMEONE IN CRISIS

⚠️ WARNING SIGNS

Someone may be in crisis if they:

Talk about wanting to die

Talk about self-harm

Withdraw from others

Feel hopeless

Give away belongings

🟢 WHAT TO DO

If someone is at risk:

Stay calm

Listen

Take them seriously

Do not leave them alone (if safe)

Get help

👉 Contact emergency services if needed

🟢 IMPORTANT NOTE

👉 Asking about suicide does NOT increase risk

👉 It can help save a life

🟢 SELF-HARM SUPPORT

🟡 WHAT TO DO

If someone is self-harming:

Stay calm

Do not judge

Listen

Encourage help

🟡 WHAT NOT TO DO

Do not panic

Do not shame

Do not ignore it

🟢 STUDENT / PROFESSIONAL TRAINING TIPS

🟢 FOR STUDENTS

Learn basic listening skills

Practice empathy

Learn when to get help

Do not try to fix everything

🟢 FOR PROFESSIONALS

Follow policies and procedures

Use supervision

Record concerns properly

Know your limits

🟢 IMPORTANT REMINDER

👉 You are not expected to solve everything

👉 You are expected to:

Listen

Support

Report

Refer

🟢 REALITY IN SERVICES (UK FOCUS)

Some services have:

Limited funding

Long waiting lists

High demand

👉 This makes basic support skills even more important

🟢 KEY MESSAGE

💬 “You don’t have to be a mental health professional

to make a difference.”

💬 “A small conversation can help someone feel heard.”

💬 “Support + listening = powerful impact.”

🟢 FINAL THOUGHT

👉 You may never know when:

Someone needs help

Someone is struggling silently

👉 Your words and actions can matter.