Are Your Mental Health First Aiders Still Engaged? Here's How to Keep the Conversation Going

Are Your Mental Health First Aiders Still Engaged? Here's How to Keep the Conversation Going

2 minute read

You’ve invested in Mental Health First Aid training for your team – great start. But now what?
One of the biggest challenges we hear from organisations is this:

"Our Mental Health First Aiders were really enthusiastic after their training… but now it feels like nothing's happening."

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. Training is just the beginning – the real impact comes from what happens next.

Are Your First Aiders Having Everyday Conversations?

Mental Health First Aiders aren’t just there for crises. Their role is to be a visible, approachable source of support – encouraging everyday conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
But if they’re not actively engaged or visible, that momentum can fade.

Here are a few signs of disengagement:

  • They’re unsure what to do next after the training.
  • No one knows who the Mental Health First Aiders are.
  • There’s little or no mention of mental health in internal comms.
  • Conversations about wellbeing are limited to “awareness days” – and that’s it.

So, how can leaders help keep them involved and effective?

1. Use Internal Comms to Keep the Role Alive

Make Mental Health First Aiders a regular part of your communications.
Share a quick quote or tip from a First Aider in your weekly newsletter.
Highlight who they are and how to contact them on your intranet or Teams channels.

2. Shine a Light in Team Meetings

Encourage First Aiders to take 2 minutes at the start of a meeting to share a wellbeing tip or conversation starter.
This normalises mental health talk and reminds everyone they’re there to help.

3. Give Them Something Tangible Each Month

Introduce a “Wellbeing Resource of the Month” – something short, helpful, and shareable.
It could be:

  • A podcast or TED talk recommendation
  • A short wellbeing video
  • A practical tip sheet on managing stress or anxiety

Give your First Aiders access to these and encourage them to share one thing a month with their team.

4. Encourage Micro-Messaging

Not everyone wants to write a blog post – but a simple message in Teams or Slack from a First Aider can go a long way.
Something like: "Hey everyone – just a quick reminder that April is Stress Awareness Month. Here’s a simple breathing technique I’ve been using lately…”
Keep it real, short, and human.

5. Get Involved in Campaigns

Use awareness weeks (like Mental Health Awareness Week, Time to Talk Day, etc.) as opportunities to energise your First Aiders.
Involve them in planning or delivering a small campaign – a quiz, a lunchtime chat, or a wellbeing walk.
Let them lead – with support.

Bottom Line?

Your Mental Health First Aiders want to help. They care.
But without leadership support, structure, and visibility – they may not know how.
Keep the door open. Keep the conversation going.
Because mental health isn’t a one-off initiative. It’s a culture.

Need ideas to re-engage your Mental Health First Aiders or boost wellbeing in your workplace?
We’d love to help.

Let’s talk.