If a colleague accidentally cuts their hand at work, most of us know what to do. We grab the first aid kit or step in with basic medical first aid skills. It’s second nature, something that has been ingrained in us since we were young. But what if a colleague is struggling with anxiety or showing signs of depression? Many of us want to help but aren’t sure how. A kind word or a reassuring smile might be well-intentioned, but is it enough? 

Just like traditional first aid, Mental Health First Aid is increasingly becoming an essential life skill, one that empowers people to recognise, support, and assist colleagues, friends, or loved ones facing mental health challenges. At Richmond Foundation, we’ve been the only licensed provider of Mental Health First Aid training in Malta for the past 10 years. In that time, we’ve trained over 10,000 people to become Mental Health First Aiders, helping to create healthier, more supportive workplaces. 

Here, we’ll explore why Mental Health First Aid matters, the real benefits it brings to the workplace, and how you can equip your team with the skills to foster a culture of care and understanding. 

Case study 

David had noticed something was off with Peter over the past few days. Normally, Peter was the team’s go-to for fresh ideas, always calm, collected, and ready to contribute. But lately in meetings, he seemed withdrawn, barely speaking up. When faced with decisions, he looked panicked instead of confident.   

The team was under pressure, working against a tight deadline, and David knew their client was counting on them. His first instinct was to remind Peter of the urgency of their work. But he knew piling on more pressure wouldn’t help. Instead, he remembered a few tips from a Mental Health First Aid course he had taken.   

David pulled Peter aside to a quiet space. Making sure to keep his tone open and non-judgmental, he asked whether everything was okay and if there was anything he could do to help. Peter hesitated, then admitted that due to the sheer size of the project was making him feel stuck. So, David suggested they break the project down into smaller tasks. Together, they mapped out a plan, making the workload feel much more manageable.   

But David didn’t stop there. Over the next few days, he made a point to check in, not just about work, but in casual ways too. He’d invite Peter for a coffee break, stepping away from their desks for a few minutes to reset. And by the time the project wrapped up, Peter was in a much better headspace. He contributed productively, felt a sense of accomplishment, and was grateful for the support.   

This experience re-emphasised what David had learned in the course, that mental health support in the workplace isn’t just about solving one person’s struggles, it ultimately strengthens our relationships with our colleagues and can potentially help turn working relationships into friendships. Small, thoughtful actions can prevent burnout, build trust, and create a culture where people feel safe to speak up when they need help. And when that happens, everyone benefits. 

What is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)? 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) was first developed in 2000 in Canberra, Australia, by educator Betty Kitchener and mental health researcher Professor Tony Jorm. Their goal was to give everyday people the knowledge and confidence to recognise signs of mental distress, offer initial support, and guide the person toward professional help if needed.   

 Since then, MHFA has become a globally recognised training programme used in workplaces, schools, and communities to create more supportive environments. Investing in MHFA training can have a profound impact on workplace culture and overall well-being. Here’s how:   

• Reduces stigma: MHFA encourages open conversations about mental health, helping to create a workplace where employees feel safe to ask for help.   
• Empowers employees: It teaches people how to identify signs of mental distress and how to offer appropriate support.   

• Improves workplace well-being: A supportive environment leads to better morale, increased productivity, and lower absenteeism. 

• Builds stronger teams: When colleagues know they can rely on each other for support, it fosters trust and connection within teams.   

• Helps prevent crises: Early intervention can prevent mental health issues from escalating into more serious problems.   

Signs a Colleague Might Be Struggling with Their Mental Health 

We spend a huge part of our lives at work, roughly 1,820 hours per year. That’s hundreds of hours spent with our colleagues, making them a big part of our daily life. Whether we realise it or not, we’re in a position to look out for each other. 

Mental health challenges have always existed, but thankfully, we’re now in an age where they’re more openly discussed. Many workplaces encourage employees to reach out if they’re struggling. But an “open-door policy” alone isn’t enough. Sometimes, people don’t know how to ask for help, or they might not even recognise they need it. That’s why it’s important to spot the signs that a colleague may be going through a tough time. 

Here are some red flags to keep an eye on: 

• Showing up late more often than usual 

• Seeming constantly tired, stressed, or overwhelmed 

• Having trouble focusing, making decisions, or juggling tasks 

• Being unusually emotional, frustrated, or easily upset 

• Withdrawing from social activities and preferring to sit alone at lunch 

• Struggling to accept feedback, even when constructive 

• Taking excessive leave or calling in sick frequently 

• Avoiding workplace events, like meetings or team outings 

• Becoming irritable, aggressive, or reacting more strongly than usual 

Equip your business with MHFA skills

MHFA training isn’t about turning employees into therapists. It’s about giving them the tools to respond with empathy and care when someone is struggling. And that small step can make a big difference to your workplace. 

If you’re a business in Malta looking to create a more supportive workplace, Richmond Foundation can help. As the only licensed MHFA provider in Malta, we offer a range of training programmes that equip adults with the skills to assist colleagues facing mental health challenges or crises. 

Our courses are designed to be practical, engaging, and tailored to your workplace needs. Get in touch today to learn more about how MHFA can empower your team and help build a healthier, more compassionate work culture.