Why Investing in Mental Health Training Matters More Than Ever: HSE Statistics Reveal Sharp Rise in Work-Related Stress
The latest HSE 2024/25 Health and Safety at Work report has delivered a stark reminder of the growing mental health crisis in UK workplaces. In just twelve months, cases of work-related stress, depression, and anxiety have risen from 776,000 to 964,000, a 24% increase. Even more alarming, over 40% of these are new cases, not ongoing conditions.
This increase isn’t just affecting individuals; it’s impacting how organisations operate day to day. The report shows 22.1 million working days were lost due to mental ill-health, up significantly from 16.4 million last year. For employers, this represents a real and measurable challenge, one that requires proactive solutions, not reactive responses.
Our Mental Health First Aider Course: Supporting Teams When It Matters Most
To help organisations respond to these growing pressures, we are offering a specialised 2 day, in person Mental Health First Aider Course (MHFA) in 2026 in Hadleigh, Suffolk:
This course gives delegates the confidence, skills, and understanding to:
Identify signs of stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues
Support colleagues experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis
Approach sensitive conversations safely and appropriately
Promote a mentally healthy workplace culture
Take early action to reduce absenteeism and support staff wellbeing
Delivered face-to-face by a qualified instructor, the course offers practical scenarios, open discussion, and real-life tools that participants can use immediately back in the workplace.
Why Mental Health First Aiders Are Essential in Today’s Workforce
With mental health cases rising at this scale, every organisation benefits from having trained Mental Health First Aiders on site. They help:
Spot early warning signs
Offer immediate reassurance and guidance
Encourage supportive conversations
Signpost professional help when needed
Foster a safer, more open working environment
This isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protecting people, improving resilience, and reducing the growing cost of mental ill-health on businesses.
Start 2026 Strong: Invest in Your Team’s Wellbeing
As the new year approaches, now is the perfect time to prioritise staff wellbeing and build a more supportive workplace.
Our MHFA course in Hadleigh, Suffolk offers the ideal opportunity to train key members of your team and make mental health support a core part of your organisation.
Keep an eye on our website and LinkedIn for when the course dates go live, spaces will be limited.