What made you decide to get involved?

I teach the Core MECC module to Health Champions in the north east of England and RSPH Understanding Health Improvement Level 2. I was keen to learn more about the MECC mental health training.

In your view what is the strategic case for MECC for Mental Health?

Mental Health is everyone’s business and the importance of parity between physical and mental health is important to me. Training aims to improve the Mental Health of everyone, learn about building resilience and knowing where to turn to for support when needed.   Links also to the Mental Health Transformation Plan and locally to County Durham mental health alliance.

How did you train to become a MECC for Mental Health trainer?

Over 2 or 3 sessions.  This went well although I do prefer face to face training. There was a lot of information to take in during the training although it did prepare me for my own delivery of the mental health MECC module.

How was the experience of organising and delivering MECC for Mental Health training?

This was straight forward, although working for a small community interest company and fitting it around my everyday role was challenging. Aspire is a community interest company, (not for profit) and is lucky enough to have a lot of volunteers helping to run the service. They were all keen to take part in the training as well as other paid staff members.

Can you provide a brief description of the group/s you delivered the training to?

Mostly volunteers from the Aspire organisation. The training was held in the Aspire Learning, Support and Wellbeing Centre. Approximately 13 people took part in the training, including a number of Aspire paid staff.

Can you provide a brief description of the training programme you delivered?

Although training was suggested over 3 x half day sessions, I delivered the session over one day and provided pre learning materials before the day. Learning hours were as suggested by the RSPH information.  It was easier to have most of the volunteers in the centre over one day when Aspire could provide a Creche for that day, as many learners/volunteers have young children.  Aspire provide, support and learning opportunities within the local community, service users are often referred to us from social prescribing and GP services.

How do you think the training has been received by participants?

The training was well received, the comments from the learners were positive.

What difference do you think MECC for Mental Health will bring to the people you trained?

More understanding, confidence and knowledge in talking about mental health and supporting those in their community.

Any other comments you would like to add?

The learners have a better understanding of MECC and the Ask, Assist, Act approach, they have learned more about both good and poor mental health and are able to pass on that healthy message about the benefits of good mental health and/or signpost to further support if needed. 

I did find that when delivering over one day there was some repetition as a lot of the content was a recap of the previous learning. Going forward I would make a few amendments to this to help the day flow better and possibly find an easier way to describe the mental health continuum as I feel that this was a little confusing for the learners.