Building Confidence to Support Mental Health Conversations

By Rob Clark, HSE Advisor

As we approach World Mental Health Day, Corporate Protections’ HSE Advisor, Rob Clark, reflects on his recent experience completing Mental Health First Aid Instructor training and the importance of building confidence around mental health conversations in our workplaces and communities.

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Mental Health First Aid Instructor Course in Sydney. The experience was both challenging and rewarding. It also provided valuable insights into how individuals and workplaces can better support mental health and wellbeing.

One of the highlights of the course was the diversity of the participants. For example, the group included shearers, teachers, former ambulance officers and people from many other backgrounds. Each person brought unique experiences, perspectives and stories to the discussions, creating a rich learning environment that encouraged open conversations about mental health and support.

Why Mental Health First Aid Matters

Just as physical first aid helps us respond to injuries and medical emergencies, Mental Health First Aid equips people with the skills and confidence to recognise when someone may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.

It is not about becoming a counsellor or diagnosing conditions. Instead, it focuses on recognising when someone may need support. It also helps people develop the confidence to have safe conversations and connect others with professional assistance.

Early intervention can make a significant difference. When people feel supported and understood, they are often more likely to seek help before challenges escalate into a crisis.

Learning Through Experience

The course was an intensive week focused on building knowledge, confidence and practical facilitation skills to deliver Mental Health First Aid training to adults.

Throughout the program, participants explored real-world scenarios, practised supportive conversations and developed skills to respond appropriately to a range of situations.

What stood out most was the learning environment itself. The atmosphere was positive, supportive and genuinely encouraging. At the same time, we were challenged to think more deeply. We reflected on our own experiences and considered how we could contribute to healthier workplaces and communities.

We were brilliantly led throughout the week by our instructor, Aleena, whose professionalism, warmth and expertise helped create the conditions for meaningful learning and discussion.

Mental Health in the Workplace

Many industries require employees to work in remote, high-pressure or physically demanding environments. In these settings, mental wellbeing can sometimes take a back seat to operational priorities.

Creating mentally healthy workplaces benefits not only individuals but also teams, organisations and communities. Simple actions such as checking in on colleagues, encouraging open conversations and reducing stigma can make a meaningful difference.

Mental health challenges are often not visible. However, confident and informed colleagues can make a difference. They can start conversations early and guide people towards appropriate support.

Looking Ahead

The experience reinforced the importance of continuing to build awareness, reduce stigma and encourage conversations around mental health.

I left the course with new skills, greater confidence and practical tools that I look forward to applying both within the workforce and the veteran community.

As we recognise World Mental Health Day, it serves as a reminder that support often starts with a simple conversation. By building our knowledge and confidence, we can all play a role in creating workplaces and communities where people feel safe to speak up, seek help and support one another.