Biddulph Town Council wants to make sure that members of our community receive the necessary assistance when they need it, creating a ‘mental health friendly town’.
Each year approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition. Anyone can be affected and at any point in their lives.
Mental health conditions are often hidden due to stigma and fear of discrimination, often stopping people from carrying out normal day-to-day activities, making them feel socially excluded and impeding their recovery.
The Council offered free mental health training, delivered by ‘Taking Off the Mask’, during July and September 2024 to empower Biddulph’s residents to tackle mental health problems at a local level and guide those who require it.
The fully accredited courses were split into two:
- Level 1 – for those seeking to gain an awareness of first aid for mental health; to improve their understanding and recognise a range of mental health conditions, how to start a supportive conversation and when and how to signpost a person to seek professional help.
- Level 2 – for those wishing to become a Mental Health First Aider; as above, but also how to recognise and manage stress and understand the impact of substance abuse, learn about a first aid action plan for mental health, be able to put it in place and how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace.
50+ learners from local businesses, community groups, etc have completed the training so far.
Places for future training are available – dates to be confirmed.
Please contact Biddulph Town Council on 01782 498480 or by email (office@biddulph-gov.uk) to reserve your place.
Here’s some links to groups and organisations that offer help and support: