Meet MDR’s mental health first aiders – Shazi Singh

To coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, we spoke with MDR’s mental health first aiders about their role and the support they can offer. In our second profile, we hear from Shazi Singh, a Personal Assistant and Academic Secretary in the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism.

What is the role of a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA)?

The role of a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) is to provide initial support to someone experiencing mental health issues, being able to support colleagues (and students) who might be going through tough times mentally, offering a listening ear and guidance on accessing help.

What motivated you to become a MHFA?

I was motivated to become a MHFA because I believe everyone deserves support when they’re going through tough times, and mental health is just as important as physical health. Plus working in academia is very challenging, and I wanted to play a role in creating a supportive environment at work.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a MHFA?

The most rewarding thing about being a MHFA is seeing someone feel supported and empowered to take steps towards better mental health, plus knowing that I’m making a difference by having open conversations to help break-down the stigma surrounding mental health.

What sort of person should become a MHFA?

Anyone who is empathetic, non-judgmental, and willing to listen without judgment can make a great MHFA.

What would your advice be to someone who thinks they could have a mental health issue?

My advice to someone who thinks they could have a mental health issue is to reach out for help, whether it’s to a colleague, friend, family member, or professional, talking about what you’re going through is the first step.

How can people in the Department contact you if they need support?

If anyone in the Department needs support, they can reach me via Teams or email or if they see me, ask me for a chat!

 

MDR’s Mental Health First Aiders

Do you want to become a Mental Health First Aider?

Our Mental Health First Aid courses teach people to identify common symptoms of mental health issues, offer first-line help and guide a person towards support. Mental Health First Aid training is available for staff who are involved in supporting colleagues or students.

Imeprial’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 will take place at Imperial from 13 to 17 May. This is an annual event where there is an opportunity to focus on supporting good mental health. The event has become one of the biggest awareness weeks across the UK and globally.

There is an extensive programme of events across the week open to staff and students, organised by the People and Organisational Development team – full listings are on the Mental Health Awareness Week webpage.