I have just completed my MHFA course and to be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect. How can this work, will it work, what can they teach me - these were all questions I had before completing the course. Throughout the work we have done, we have been in situations where we've listened, chatted, offered guidance and support to all sorts of people so what could this teach me? The answer is, a lot.
It made me think about how I approach people in need of an intervention in a different way to, hopefully, a better outcome. It also reinforced a lot of thinking and made me proud of what we do at Ian's Chain. We all, at times of our lives, need a bit of help, we all deserve to get that help in a non-judgmental way. I pride myself on being non-judgmental but I also know that doesn't mean I have a level of prejudice - we all do if we are honest. But I hope I've learned to park that when the situation requires it.
I have experienced negative responses to other peoples' prejudice, whether they realised it or not.
To anyone thinking about doing a MHFA course, it's worth doing. If it goes just a small way towards you helping somebody in need, then it's worth doing. If it clarifies your understanding, then it's worth doing. I think I've made my point.
Thanks MHFAEngland.