It’s no secret that financial stress and mental health are often deeply interconnected.
Many Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) report that a significant number of their conversations include a financial element. Financial stress can often trigger mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression, while mental health issues can affect the way people manage their money. In fact, the Samaritans report receiving an average of 400 finance-related calls every day—highlighting just how common this issue is.
To help address this overlap, we’ve outlined below how the MONEY FIRST AID training course can enhance the support Mental Health First Aiders (or anyone offering mental wellbeing support) provide in their workplace or community.
1. Tackling a leading trigger of mental health issues
Financial stress is one of the most significant contributors to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and many others. With MONEY FIRST AID training, MHFAs are equipped to recognise and address financial concerns that may be driving or worsening mental health issues. This may lead to earlier intervention and a more comprehensive level of support.
2. Expanding the scope of support
While Mental Health First Aid focuses on emotional and psychological wellbeing, MONEY FIRST AID complements this by addressing practical financial stressors. This training empowers MHFAs to confidently engage in conversations about money, providing immediate support and guidance while remaining within professional boundaries.
3. Building confidence in sensitive conversations
Money is often seen as a taboo subject, making it difficult for many to talk about financial struggles. MONEY FIRST AID training helps MHFAs to feel comfortable and equipped to discuss these sensitive topics. It provides a structured approach for having empathetic, non-judgmental conversations about financial concerns.
4. Strengthening workplace wellbeing initiatives
Organisations that integrate MONEY FIRST AID alongside Mental Health First Aid demonstrate a commitment to holistic employee wellbeing. MHFAs who complete MONEY FIRST AID training become champions for both mental and financial health, fostering a workplace culture that openly supports these critical aspects of wellbeing.
5. Providing practical tools for immediate impact
MONEY FIRST AID training delivers actionable tips, resources, and signposting to professional services. These resources allow MHFAs to offer next steps alongside emotional support, empowering others to take meaningful action toward financial stability.
6. Reducing stigma around financial stress
MHFAs have played a key role in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health conversations. By gaining MONEY FIRST AID skills, they can achieve the same impact in reducing the taboo around discussing financial struggles. This openness often leads to earlier interventions, preventing financial stress from escalating into more serious mental health challenges.
7. Upskilling
Adding MONEY FIRST AID to their skillset makes MHFAs more versatile and valuable within their organisations and communities. As more employers focus on supporting financial wellbeing, opportunities may arise for MHFAs to take on expanded roles or lead initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives.
8. Supporting FCA Consumer Duty compliance
For organisations in regulated sectors, combining MONEY FIRST AID with mental health support aligns with the FCA’s Consumer Duty requirements. This ensures that vulnerable employees and customers are treated fairly and provided with appropriate support.
By completing MONEY FIRST AID training, MHFAs can make a meaningful difference in both the emotional and financial lives of their colleagues and communities, contributing to a healthier, more resilient society.
We’ve received fantastic feedback from Mental Health First Aiders who’ve completed MONEY FIRST AID training, some of which we have shared below.
'I just wanted to say what an amazing experience the training was. I’ve learned so much, and it felt especially valuable as it tied in closely with the Mental Health Champion training. This new training has given me an even greater boost to conduct welfare calls effectively, guide people to appropriate resources, and signpost them to the support they need. This feels like a significant step in enabling me to guide people in a better direction and provide them with even greater support, using my enhanced knowledge.' - Anna Majcher, People Engagement Coordinator, WGC
'I did not think it would be this interesting and I was surprised of the amount of help out there, I had allocated several days to complete this course. but I was so engrossed with the course I had to change my diary. With my mental first aider course and now this I feel I have enough resources to go forward.' - Phil Shortt, HSE Supervisor, Cornwall
'Great that you can complete the training in your own time. I have found it very useful. Will complement my mental health first aider training to help colleagues with any financial worries too.' - Karen, Executive PA
'Excellent course, which will help me as a mental health first aider.' - First Bus employee, Glasgow
'Well written, easy to navigate and sensible. I'm a Mental Health First Aider and the two courses dovetail really well. I've discovered some great new signposting resources.' - Anonymous
For MHFAs looking to deepen their skills and make a greater impact, MONEY FIRST AID training offers a unique and valuable opportunity to extend their reach and support.
Contact us here to enquire about the training for yourself or the Mental Health First Aiders in your organisation.
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