C+D’s clinical and custom content editor, Naimah Callachand, spoke to Babir Malik, community pharmacy foundation lead for Weldricks and teacher practitioner. Mr Malik recently qualified as a mental health first aider, having completed a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) adult course.
“There are a lot of stigmas attached to mental ill health,” says Mr Malik. “People don’t get adequate treatment or delay accessing treatment.”
The MHFA courses aims to improve the stigma around mental health by encouraging open conversation and signposting those who are struggling to the support they need.
Mr Malik says: “[These courses] are not just aimed at people working in the pharmacy.” Pharmacy team members may also be well placed to identify patients who require mental health support due to “varying levels of stress around the pharmacy”.
“Mental health first aid should also be a priority,” says Mr Malik. “If you can’t access the training via your employer, there are a variety of courses available for a variety of prices.”
You can find more information on MHFA courses on the MHFA England website.
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