For Shaun Cardwell, helping people has always been important. A first aider with Tioga for almost 20 years, Shaun was keen to build on his existing skills when he was offered the opportunity to become a Mental Health First Aider.
“I think it’s important to talk about mental health to raise awareness,” Shaun said. “I think companies should give equal importance to mental wellbeing as they do to physical health and safety in the workplace – it’s just as important if not more so.”
After completing a two-day Mental Health First Aid course with St John Ambulance, Shaun soon found himself putting his new skills into practice.
A colleague approached him and asked if they could talk somewhere privately. When they sat down together, the colleague burst into tears.
It took around 10 minutes before they were able to compose themselves enough to speak. Shaun didn’t rush them.
Eventually, the colleague explained that their long-term relationship had ended abruptly around two weeks earlier. Having been together for several years and being best friends as well as partners, the separation had left them deeply distressed.
As they spoke, Shaun noticed signs that they were struggling. They appeared agitated and restless, had been unable to sleep and repeatedly rubbed and scraped their fingers against their hand.
Shaun listened for around 40 minutes. Some of what his colleague said was repetitive, but being able to talk openly was important. Rather than trying to solve the problem himself, Shaun encouraged his colleague to seek professional support. The company provided private healthcare, and Shaun suggested speaking to a doctor about their sleep difficulties and general health. They subsequently received medical help and advice.
Over the following weeks, Shaun continued to check in and make time for conversations. Gradually, he saw an improvement. His colleague began to feel more able to manage their emotions while also recognising that some things were outside their control.
For Shaun, there was no single conversation that fixed everything. It was about being there. “I never force the issue,” he said. “They just need someone to let it all out to and to listen to them.”
The experience reinforced the value of his Mental Health First Aid training. “I’ve never had an issue with talking to people and listening but the St John Ambulance training helped give me more knowledge about how to do this better. It has enhanced my knowledge, skills and confidence massively.”
