TTBS announces new dates for mental health awareness course

Following its first online Mental Health First Aid courses in February, the Timber Trades’ Benevolent Society (TTBS) has announced another further course, due to take place on 16 and 23 April.

TTBS says in recent years, it has become increasingly clear that mental health is a growing part of our daily lives – both at home and in the workplace.

TTBS has been exploring ways to support the people working within the timber industry, and it is pleased to announce a new initiative aimed at making a real difference.

In partnership with MHFA England, it is offering a one day online Mental Health First Aid course –  which is delivered over two half days -free of charge to TTBS supporters.

Thanks to its close collaboration with Timber Development UK (TDUK), TTBS is able to offer TDUK members up to two complimentary places per company for the next course, to be held on Thursday 16 April and Thursday 23 April – from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

This comprehensive course will provide the skills to enable participants to:

• Identify signs of poor mental health and provide first-level support and early intervention
• Encourage individuals to identify and seek professional help
• Practise active listening and empathy
• Improve mental health literacy and help remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues
• Understand the MHF Aider role in depth – including boundaries and confidentiality
• Learn and practise self-care techniques
• Have access to the MHF Aider Support App
• Access on-going support

TTBS’ aim is simple: to train as many people in the timber industry as possible to become Mental Health First Aiders. It believes that the more people who take part, the greater the impact we can have in supporting each other.

With strong industry support, TTBS hopes to break the silence, open up conversations, and foster a healthier working environment for everyone.

Feedback from some of the attendees of the last course included: “I could not recommend Gemma enough for her excellence in delivering this course”, and “the course was fully engaging and everything learnt was informative”.

For further information, please contact Christella Golby our General Manager at info@ttbs.org.uk

And for more information about TTBS, visit: Timber Trades’ Benevolent Society – Your Timber Charity