Member Article

Former SSI worker launches Middlesbrough mental health training firm

Former SSI worker Neil Carter has launched NDC Training, a mental health training company with the aim of helping people save lives.

Set up with funding from the SSI Task Force, the Middlesbrough-based firm runs courses to help businesses understand potential mental health problems in the workplace.

Neil says the venture is designed to help employees identify signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide support on a first-aid basis if necessary.

Neil Carter, who had worked for SSI for 27 years, said: “I had originally trained as a mental health instructor six years ago but only done it on an ad-hoc basis.

“Being made redundant gave me an opportunity to re-evaluate my career and follow my passion which is to help people.

“I can honestly say if everyone knew more about how to handle someone with a mental health issue at work, it could be the key to them getting better quickly and also avert it becoming an emergency.”

He has two services available one for a two-day Mental Health First Aid course and covers problems including depression, eating disorders and self-harm as well as suicidal colleagues.

There is also a short Mental Health First Aid three-hour introductory course which covers how to identify potential discrimination surrounding health problems as well as advice on how to identify them.

Neil has already won contracts to provide his services to a local organisations including Tata Global Beverages, MIND, Coast & Country and Middlesbrough College.

He has also just returned from a London-based mental health youth training course which enables him to support staff at colleges and schools, handling pupils needs from 8 years old.

He was promoting his company at a recent business event organised by Tees Valley Business Club, North East England Chamber of Commerce and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.

Rachel Anderson, head of policy, the Chamber said: “Neil is a great Chamber member who inspires us all with his ambition to succeed and help others at the same time.

“The estimated cost of mental health problems runs into millions of pounds each year so using his service makes good business sense as well as safe-guarding employees.

“It is always great news when a former SSI worker overcomes challenges and starts the next phase of their career.”

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