Choosing who goes on a mental health first aid course can feel oddly tricky. Send the wrong person and it becomes a tick-box. Send the right mix and it quietly changes how your workplace feels.

Here's what I've seen work, and how awesome is it when a team gets this right?

Start with volunteers

People who put their hand up tend to bring curiosity, and curiosity makes for a far better first aider than obligation does. Be aware that they may already be taking a lot of the strain and also need support. If nobody volunteers, a gentle conversation about what the role involves and the benefits can help.

Look for the person colleagues already talk to

Every workplace has one. They're the person who gets pulled aside by the kettle or messaged after a tough meeting. Training them gives their natural instinct some structure and confidence.

Aim for a mix

• Different teams, so support doesn't sit in one corner of the business
• Different levels, so people can approach someone who isn't their line manager
• Different working patterns, including shifts, part-timers and remote staff
• Different personalities, because quiet listeners are every bit as valuable as the chatty ones
• Different ages, backgrounds, religions etc. so there's a variety of different relatable individuals to speak to.

Include neurodivergent colleagues

Many bring real strengths here, such as noticing small changes in a person, listening without rushing to fill the silence, and being comfortable with honest conversation. Everyone's different, so ask rather than assume.

Think about numbers

One first aider on a big team can end up carrying a lot. Having several means someone is usually around, and nobody feels like the only one. MHFA England recommends 1 First Aider for every 10 employees. It means that you can build a First Aiding team that can promote ideas and events, who can support each other and share non-confidential information.

What to avoid

• Choosing someone because they're "good with feelings"
• Sending only HR, who may already be seen as the formal route
• Picking someone who's already stretched to breaking point
• Choosing someone who is currently in poor mental health. Those with lived experience are valuable but this is not the right time for them to be training.

Ready to choose your group? Get in touch and I'll help you work out the right mix for your team.