Member Article

Whitworth staff support visitors with mental illness

The Visitor Team at the Whitworth, part of The University of Manchester, have been learning about mental health issues to help them understand how to respond and support visitors with mental illness.

The aim of the course was to build confidence and knowledge on how to best support their visitors and also to encourage them to become aware of their own wellbeing.

The gallery, which has just been awarded the Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year 2015, commissioned award winning workplace training and consultancy company, HearFirst to deliver the Mental Health First Aid Training.

The two-day course sensitively outlined how the team can identify the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions. Tailor made to people working on the front lines of a gallery, the session also looked at risk factors linked to developing mental ill health, a deeper understanding of self-help and prevention and how to sign post people for help.

HearFirst has been working along side the Whitworth for many years and has continued to be a part of their main training programme since undergoing its £15 million redevelopment.

The training was delivered this week to coincide with World Mental Health Day, which is this Saturday, October 10 and is an annual event hosted by the World Federation of Mental Health to raise awareness of mental disorders and provide better access to treatment for all people who need it.

Julie Ryder, Director and Founder of HearFirst, said: “Once again, the Whitworth has demonstrated its commitment to continually strive to improve its visitor experience and to provide support for people with mental illness and disabilities making sure they are fully inclusive.

“Mental health problems cover a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depressions and substance abuse that affect someone’s ability to get on with their daily life. Most people know little about mental health and we often don’t spot the signs that someone else – or ourselves – are struggling with until very late. The more people aware of the causes and symptoms of mental health issues, the better support, confidence and knowledge we will have to help other people.”

Chad McGitchie, Head of Visitor Teams / Access Leader at the Whitworth and Manchester Museum, said: “We are delighted to be working with HearFirst again on our second session of Mental Health First Aid training. HearFirst approach all their training with sensitivity and really build the team’s confidence to actively engage with all our divers visitors. Their training keeps us at the forefront of ensuring we are a warm and welcoming place to all.”

For more information on Mental Health First Aid Training, please contact HearFirst on 01706 872 816 or visit www.hearfirst.org.uk. For more information on World Mental Health Day, please visit www.who.int/en

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by HearFirst .