Did you know? Our MHFA learners increase their knowledge by 44% over the two-day course?(Self-rated averages from May 2022 to March 2024).  

With the learnings from the Mental Health First Aid training delivered by CPSL Mind, one of Care Network Cambridgeshire’s staff members not only gained the confidence to support the mental health of others, but he also saved a life.  

One night 

The MHFA course attendee was walking with his friends at around 1:30 am one night when they noticed an individual standing alone on a bridge looking out over the river. A friend of his approached them and indicated that all was not well. Knowing that he had some training in mental health he thought that may be helpful to support the individual. 

His friends then continued on their way leaving himself and his wife, who stayed there to support the person. Looking at the situation he says, “It quickly became apparent that the individual was extremely distressed and speaking incoherently, the only recognisable words included those of further concern and those that raised immediate concern for their welfare and an imminent suicide risk.” 

While his wife was calling 999 for assistance he was trying to speak to the individual, “Time seemed to dramatically slow at this point, I felt very alone and I felt very small and the person seemed very big (in reality it was the other way). I spoke, I spoke about anything and everything but their level of distress meant I could only make out a few words being said back.” To keep the individual safe he tried to physically stop them climbing over the safety of the bridge wall, “I felt even smaller yet increasingly stronger, this was not going to happen today. The person handed me personal items to look after.” 

Remembering the training

At this stage, he started to recollect what he had learned from the Mental Health First Aid course. He listened to the individual, “My role there and then was to keep them safe until help arrived, I told them that I wasn’t going to stand by without helping, I said I couldn’t walk away because I CARED. These two words changed the dynamics, I had eye contact for the first time and the reason for being there started to emerge, it is not my story to tell but this significantly raised my concerns further.” Although the situation was challenging, he had the confidence and the motivation to keep the person safe. After 20 minutes the individual began interacting and they were then out of immediate risk.  

“I’m aware that my intervention that night saved his life, saying I CARED changed the conversation we had, I reminded myself that the training had reassured me that I could talk about suicide and it wouldn’t make the situation any worse  – if anything it helped reduce the severity of the situation we found ourselves in.”  

One conversation can save a life

The intervention saved the individual’s life. This story conveys the message that ‘One conversation can save a life.’ To further encourage people to ask the question and start the conversation the MHFA attendee says, “Anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation, take the time to approach and listen. An hour of our time can mean a lifetime to someone else.”  

How the Mental Health First Aid training helped

Explaining how the training helped him tackle this challenging situation, he says “The Mental Health First Aid training gave me confidence, it came back to me at the point that I needed it, the points I had learned. I approached and listened. I gave reassurance and I encouraged them to make contact with a local support group that I was aware of.” He not only made sure that the person was brought to safety but also helped them reach out to local support available to help them feel better.  

How can I sign up for the Mental Health First Aid course?

You can find out more about the Mental Health First Aid course and contact training@cpslmind.org.uk to sign up. Additionally, our training team also provides free-to-attend suicide prevention workshops through our STOP Suicide campaign.  

Helplines and support

If you are looking for support visit our Get Help Now page for a list of helplines and also have a look at some helpful resources.