Mental Health First Response for Safety and Security Officers
This level 2 mental health programme consists of 2 modules that have been designed to introduce safety and security officers to the complex concepts of mental health and wellbeing and to offer guidance on how, as first responders, they may support people in distress.
The modules have been designed to combine e-learning and face-2-face learning.
Module 1. An Introduction to Mental Health & Wellbeing for Security and Safety Personnel (First Responder)
This module is delivered as an e-learning package that should take 6-7 hours to complete.
Aim
The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the concepts of wellbeing as it relates to the role of a safety and security officer.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the module, learners will be able to:
Define the concept of wellbeing and describe how it differs from mental health and illness.
Describe the factors that might lead to poor wellbeing in people.
Describe the factors that help to protect people from poor mental wellbeing.
Identify signs of poor mental wellbeing.
Indicative Content
This module is divided into 5 lessons which address the overall module objectives and are mapped against the Ofqual Level 2 Descriptors.
Introduction and context
Understanding mental health and wellbeing
Factors that support positive wellbeing
Factors that negatively impact on wellbeing
Stress, anxiety and resilience.
Module 2. Helping people experiencing mental health difficulties and distress
This module will be delivered as a one day in-person workshop which will use a problem-based learning approach to explore the First Response Officer role in managing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace context. Attendees will work on a case study through a series of role play exercises, individual reflection, and group discussions to help them to develop skills and understanding of how to apply these skills in the workplace.
Aim
The aim of this module is to provide practical guidance to support peoples’ wellbeing and manage first line response where there is poor mental health or wellbeing.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the module, learners will be able to:
Explain how to manage first line response and approach a conversation with people who are experiencing mental distress.
Discuss ways of supporting people who are expressing suicidal thoughts.
Demonstrate an understanding of the boundaries within the safety and security officer role (first responder).
Summarise the role of the safety and security officer (first responder) in signposting to other services.
Indicative Content
This module is divided into 7 lessons which address the overall module objectives and are mapped against the Ofqual Level 2 Descriptors.
Welcome and Introduction
Signs of mental health distress
The safety and security officer role (first responder)
Effective communication
Approaching conversations
Helping people in distress (including people with suicidal ideation)
Post-incident actions and looking after own wellbeing.
Assessment
In the e-learning package, formative tests and feedback loops are built into the module for students to check their understanding. Within the in-person training, there are knowledge checkpoints throughout the workshop. At the end of each module, there is an end of module test, based on multiple choice style questions. Learners have to achieve 80% in order to pass the modules.
Quality Assurance
Peer review will take place quarterly to ensure continuing currency of the modular content. Learner evaluations will be used to ensure accessibility and continuing relevance.
The Learning Design Team
Peer review will take place quarterly to ensure continuing currency of the modular content. Learner evaluations will be used to ensure accessibility and continuing relevance.
The learning content has been developed by subject matter experts in both security service delivery and mental health and wellbeing.
Dr Anne Llewellyn has had 30 years’ experience of working in higher education in various academic and managerial positions. Anne has over 15 years’ experience of teaching mental health and wellbeing policy to social work, nursing and social science undergraduate students at Levels 4, 5 and 6 and supporting individual student mental health and wellbeing through her roles as personal tutor and course leader. In her last post before retiring in 2020, Anne worked as Deputy Director, Student and Library Services at Teesside University where she had responsibility for learning skills development, student disability and mental health services and student enquiries. Anne was the University lead for a nationally funded joint project with MIND, developing resources and policies to support staff and student mental health and wellbeing. Anne is also a member of the Security Mind Matters Advisory Board in the UK.
Anne has a number of years’ experience of delivering on-line learning and her doctorate (EdD) analysed the use of online immersive learning spaces to enhance professional skills development. Anne is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has co-authored a number of textbooks in health and social care and social work.
Claire Humble has 28 years policing experience retiring in 2017 at the rank of Superintendent. In 2017 Claire was appointed as Head of Safety, Security & Facilities at Teesside University, where she worked for 4 years. Claire is now the founder and CEO for Nuparadigm a consultancy and training company who specialise in bespoke and contemporary safety and security training. Nuology is the training brand of Nuparadigm
Claire also has a Masters level Degree in International Security with a major in Intelligence. Claire is a qualified Tactical Commander, Firearms Officer, Senior Investigating Officer, and Area Commander. She has several Leadership & Management qualifications. Her experience and understanding of the sector has contributed to the application of principles for the target audience.
Claire is a board director for the Security Commonwealth, board member of Women’s Security Society and TINYg ED&I advisor.