How Dagenham Engine Plant is Helping Mental Health First Aiders Help Others

DUNTON, UK – This week is Mental Health Week in the UK, but did you know the theme for this year is anxiety?

Everyone can feel anxious, but when you live with mental illness, anxiety can reach a whole new level. And according to Mental Health UK, anxiety disorders affect over 8 million people in Britain – that’s a little over 1 in 10.

Ford’s network of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA’s) are specially trained to offer support to people who may be experiencing anxiety issues and to help them find mechanisms to cope.

At Ford’s Dagenham Engine Plant, the company has just opened two dedicated well-being areas for Ford employees. They include quiet, calm spaces for MHFA’s to talk to employees if they feel they need time out to discuss an issue.

Mark Wilson is Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager, Ford in Europe, and a trained MHFA. He said: “In my experience when I’ve opened up about my mental health, I’ve found it’s only ever helped me. I want to stand up and tell people that when you open up and ask for help, there will be someone there to listen.?It is essential that we create environments where people feel safe to share.”