Mental Health First Aiders at TransPennine Express

As part of our approach to health and wellbeing at TPE, we have a team of Mental Health First Aiders. This team of colleagues have volunteered to support their peers across the network and have received specific and regular training to help them in their voluntary role.

The role of a Mental Health Champion and First Aider in the workplace is to promote mental health support at their local depots, stations and offices. They can be one of a few points of contact for an employee who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. This interaction could range from having an initial conversation through to supporting the person to get appropriate help. 

The mental health first aiders have been through training with Mental Health First Aid England, and have been trained to: 

• Understand the important factors affecting mental ill-heath. 
• Identify the signs and symptoms for a range of mental health conditions (but not diagnose). 
• Listen non-judgmentally and hold supportive conversations. This will range from something as simple as having a coffee and a chat, to signposting people for appropriate support, including internal and external bodies. 
• Seek individual or case support from your line manager, as required.