Tuesday, 31 March 2026

📄 1. Easy Read Document – CBT (Main Version)

 

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Mental Health Safety (Short Guide)

 


Module 1 – Introduction

What is Mental Health Safety?

Mental health safety means:

  • Protecting people’s mental wellbeing at work
  • Preventing stress and harm
  • Creating a place where people feel safe to:
    • Speak up
    • Ask for help
    • Be honest

👉 People should not feel scared, judged, or punished.

Why is Mental Health Safety Important?

1. Not Just Physical Safety

  • Stress and anxiety can affect:
    • Focus
    • Decision-making
    • Reaction time

👉 This can increase accidents and mistakes.

2. Impact on Work

Poor mental health can lead to:

  • Absence (missing work)
  • Presenteeism (working while unwell)
  • Low energy and productivity
  • Staff leaving jobs

3. A Basic Right

👉 Everyone has the right to:

  • Feel safe
  • Be supported
  • Have a healthy work environment

Key Concepts

Psychological Safety

  • Feeling safe to:
    • Speak up
    • Share ideas
    • Admit mistakes

Mental Health vs Mental Illness

  • Everyone has mental health
  • Mental health can change over time
  • It is not just about illness

Psychosocial Risks

These are workplace risks like:

  • Too much work
  • Stress or pressure
  • Bullying
  • Lack of control
  • Job insecurity

Main Goals

  • Prevent mental health problems at work
  • Protect staff wellbeing
  • Support people to stay and succeed in work

What Workplaces Can Do

1. Talk About Mental Health

  • Include it in safety meetings
  • Encourage open conversations

2. Reduce Stigma

  • Be understanding
  • Do not judge
  • Offer training (e.g. Mental Health First Aid)

3. Provide Support

  • Offer confidential help (like EAP services)
  • Make support easy to access

Key Message

👉 Mental health safety is just as important as physical safety.
👉 A safe workplace looks after both the body and the mind.

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🎯 Easy Read PowerPoint – Module 1 (Ready Content)

 



Slide 1 – Title

Module 1
Health & Safety + Mental Health Basics

Slide 2 – What is Health?

Health means:

  • Physical health (your body)
  • Mental health (your mind)
  • Social wellbeing (your relationships)

Slide 3 – What is Mental Health?

Mental health is about:

  • Thoughts
  • Feelings
  • How we act

👉 It can change over time

Slide 4 – Mental Health vs Mental Illness

  • Everyone has mental health
  • Not everyone has mental illness

👉 They are different but connected

Slide 5 – Mental Health Spectrum

You can feel:

  • 😊 Well
  • 😐 Coping
  • 😞 Struggling

👉 This can change day to day

Slide 6 – What is Burnout?

Burnout is:

  • Feeling very tired
  • Too much stress
  • Loss of motivation

Slide 7 – Workplace Safety

Safety means:

  • Preventing harm
  • Following rules
  • Protecting people

Slide 8 – Types of Hazards

Hazards can be:

  • Physical (slips, trips)
  • Chemical (cleaning products)
  • Ergonomic (bad posture)
  • Psychological (stress, pressure)

Slide 9 – Safety Equipment (PPE)

Use:

  • Gloves
  • Helmets
  • Masks

👉 Check Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Slide 10 – Safety Culture

A safe place:

  • Shares responsibility
  • Reports problems
  • Looks after everyone

Slide 11 – Psychological Safety

Feeling safe to:

  • Speak up
  • Ask for help
  • Share concerns

Slide 12 – Psychological First Aid

Help by:

  • Listening
  • Staying calm
  • Being kind

Slide 13 – Key Definitions

Health = Total wellbeing
Accident = Unexpected harm
Psychological First Aid = Emotional support

Slide 14 – Key Message

Health & Safety includes:

  • Body
  • Mind
  • Environment

👉 Everyone has a role

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Chapter 13 – Module 12 Mental Health and Mental Illness Health & Safety + Mental Health Basics

 



Module Overview

This module explains the difference between mental health and mental illness.

They are not the same, but they are connected.

Core Concepts & Definitions

Mental Health

Mental health is about how we:

  • Think
  • Feel
  • Act

It means:

  • Coping with everyday stress
  • Working and learning
  • Building relationships
  • Reaching our potential

👉 Everyone has mental health.

Mental Illness

Mental illness includes medical conditions that affect:

  • Thoughts
  • Feelings
  • Mood
  • Behaviour

These can make daily life harder.

The Key Difference

  • Everyone has mental health
  • Not everyone has a mental illness

👉 A person can:

  • Have a mental illness and still have good mental health
  • Have no diagnosis but still struggle with mental health

The Mental Health Continuum

Mental health is not fixed. It changes over time.

It can move between:

  • 😊 Flourishing (feeling well)
  • 😐 Coping (managing)
  • 😞 Struggling (finding things hard)

👉 Anyone can move along this scale at different times.

Key Components of Good Mental Health

1. Resilience

  • Ability to cope with stress
  • “Bounce back” after challenges

2. Emotional Regulation

  • Managing feelings
  • Staying calm during stress

3. Social Connection

  • Having relationships
  • Feeling part of a community

Understanding Mental Illness

Common Types

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia

Causes and Risk Factors

Mental illness can be influenced by:

  • Genetics (family history)
  • Brain chemistry
  • Trauma or abuse
  • Life experiences

Stigma

  • Stigma means negative beliefs or misunderstanding
  • It can stop people from asking for help

👉 Education reduces stigma.

Warning Signs (Recognising Distress)

Look out for:

  • Big changes in mood
  • Withdrawing from others
  • Struggling with daily tasks
  • Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless

Support and Treatment

Mental illness is treatable.

Support may include:

  • Talking therapies
  • Medication
  • Support from family, friends, or services

Promoting Mental Well-being

You can support mental health by:

  • Getting enough sleep
  • Eating well
  • Managing stress
  • Staying connected to others
  • Creating a positive environment

Key Message

👉 Mental health and mental illness are different, but connected.
👉 Everyone deserves support, understanding, and respect.

End of Module Reflection (Optional Activity)

  • What does mental health mean to you?
  • What are 2 ways you can support your own mental health?
  • How can we reduce stigma in everyday life?
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Monday, 30 March 2026

🌍 Disability and Mental Health (Easy Read)

 


👥 How many people are affected?

  • Around 1.3 billion people live with a disability
  • This is about 16% of the world’s population
  • That means about 1 in 6 people

🧠 Mental health and disability

  • People with disabilities are more likely to have mental health problems
  • They are twice as likely to experience:
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
  • Many people report high levels of stress and distress
    • Around 32% to over 50% in some studies

🌎 Worldwide facts

  • About 1 in 7 people (around 1.1 billion) live with a mental health condition
  • People with disabilities have a higher risk of mental illness

🇺🇸 United States

  • Over half of adults with:
    • Cognitive disabilities
    • Mobility disabilities
      report frequent mental distress
  • Adults with intellectual disabilities:
    • 21% to 34% experience mental health conditions
    • Some may have severe mental illness

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

  • Over 4 million people have:
    • A long-term physical condition
    • AND a mental health condition
  • Over 15 million people live with long-term conditions

🇦🇺 Australia

  • People with disabilities are 4 times more likely to have mental health conditions
  • Around:
    • 32% report high distress
    • 40% with severe disabilities report very high distress

⚠️ Key risks

People with disabilities are more likely to experience:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes

💬 Common mental health conditions

The most common are:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression

🚧 Barriers to support

People with disabilities may find it harder to get help because of:

  • Poor or no transport
  • Buildings not accessible
  • Lack of support services
  • Money problems
  • Social inequality

❤️ Why this matters

  • Everyone deserves equal access to care
  • Support should be:
    • Easy to access
    • Inclusive
    • Understanding
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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.

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📊 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

  1. What is paraphrasing?
    A) Ignoring someone
    B) Repeating exactly
    C) Saying in your own words
    ✔ Answer: C
  1. Which is a good response?
    A) “Calm down”
    B) “That sounds difficult”
    C) “Stop worrying”
    ✔ Answer: B
  1. 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

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🌱 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 
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