Programs – Mental Win UK

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training

About Project

Title: Mental Health First Aid Training for Black and Minority Ethnic Groups at Their Places of Worship and for Asylum Seekers/Refugees
Organisation: Mental Wellness Intelligence Network (MentalWIN)
Website: www.mentalwin.co.uk

Project Relevance

Research consistently highlights that individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, asylum seekers, and refugees experience higher rates of mental illnesses compared to their White counterparts. Within BAME communities, Black people are particularly affected by mental health issues, as reflected in the following statistics:

Suicide rates in Black male adolescents increased by 47% from 2013 to 2019.
The rate of self-harm among Black females increased by 32% in the last decade.
Adult Black males are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems.
Black women are more susceptible to common mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, depression, and stress.
Black people are four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act.
Black men are twice as likely to experience Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis.
Self-reported suicide attempts among Black adolescents rose by 33% between 1991 and 2017, with a further increase since the pandemic.

Mental Health Challenges Among Migrants

Stress-induced mental illness has risen by over 27% in the Black migrant community.
Low socioeconomic status significantly contributes to worsening mental health among Black people.
Refugees and asylum seekers experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than the general population.

Many BAME individuals delay seeking mental health support due to stigma, cultural misconceptions, and lack of awareness. Consequently, they often present to healthcare facilities only during crises. Those already diagnosed engage minimally with mental health services, leading to frequent relapses, poorer treatment outcomes, and higher healthcare costs for the NHS and local authorities.

Culturally Tailored Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a structured training program that equips individuals with the skills to assist someone developing a mental health issue or experiencing a crisis. The course enables volunteers to:

Recognize early warning signs of mental illness.
Respond appropriately to individuals experiencing mental distress.
Provide immediate support and guidance to professional services.
Promote positive well-being and help combat stigma in their communities.

Training in Places of Worship

Black African and Caribbean communities are known for their strong religious affiliations, with a significant percentage attending places of worship weekly. To leverage this cultural factor, our MHFA training is specifically re-created and tailored for religious institutions. This program:

Is co-developed with religious leaders, who are trusted figures within their communities.
Ensures cultural sensitivity and acceptability, making mental health discussions more accessible.
Trains individuals to identify signs of mental distress among their fellow worshippers.
Provides knowledge on appropriate mental health first aid measures while guiding affected individuals to professional services.

By implementing culturally appropriate MHFA training, we aim to empower communities, reduce stigma, encourage early intervention, and ultimately improve mental health outcomes among BAME populations and migrant groups.

For more information and to get involved, visit www.mentalwin.co.uk