Looking back on 16 years with an Instructor Member

At MHFA England®, we’re committed to improving the mental health of the nation.

To commemorate 16 years since Mental Health First Aid training was first introduced in England, Caroline Hounsell, one of the first people to join MHFA England, spoke to us about her journey and how far the community has come. Caroline is not only an Instructor Member but also one of our National Trainers, which means she helps train other Instructors to deliver MHFA® training.

When did you get involved with MHFA England?

Going back to 2006, I was among the first eleven people to be trained in Mental Health First Aid. It was pure luck that I ended up on the course; someone else had dropped out, which turned into such a fantastic opportunity.

With MHFA England specifically, I joined the National Trainer pool in 2007, following the Department of Health’s involvement in introducing mental health first aid training to England.

It was super exciting. We knew we were at the beginning of something new. Despite how challenging the first few years were due to the recession, everyone was passionate about it succeeding.

How has the mental health landscape evolved since 2007?

We are in a different place from 2007. Mental ill health was sensationalised in a derogatory way. It was something to be feared and not talked about, especially in the business sector. There was a lot of resistance and misunderstandings about open discussions [of mental health] in the workplace.

Our mission has always been to improve mental health literacy and bring mental health first aid on par with physical first aid. During the early days of MHFA England, getting businesses on board and taking workplace mental health seriously was a challenge.

There is still so much work to do, but it’s important to recognise how far we’ve come.

People are now much more open and willing to change. Through MHFA® education and training, we’ve empowered organisations and people to make it a part of everyday life. Normalisation is a way off, but the stigma around mental health has lessened.

What about the MHFA England Instructor Member community inspires you?

The Instructor community is phenomenal. They go from strength to strength each year. One of the best things about the training is the people. Every time I deliver Instructor Training, the connection between the learners is strong; they empower and support each other.

Our impact is nothing without Instructor Members. It’s a community of passionate people trying to make a difference.

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What is the most rewarding thing about being a National Trainer?

I love to teach, and teaching those equally passionate about mental health is especially rewarding.

Everyone comes from different walks of life and backgrounds. In any programme or course, you might have an HR specialist, someone working in schools, a health and safety executive, somebody in recovery, and everybody comes together to share their frame of reference and create a connection. 

One of my favourite things is getting to see what creativity and originality each new Instructor Member brings to the training. Being a part of such a massive journey is extraordinary.

How has being part of the MHFA England community impacted you?

A significant impact has been on my sense of self. Looking back, I was completely unconfident. In my head, everyone was much more capable, and I began questioning why I was there. I was well and truly out of my depth.

When I shared this with my mentor he said, “You are the heart of this organisation, and I don’t think you realise how important your role is.”

I’ve always remembered the kindness he showed me and how motivating it was. It made me the person I am today, and MHFA England has had a major influence on that.  

How do you think Instructor Members and National Trainers drive MHFA England’s mission to train 1:10 in mental health first aid?

Their passion and ability to build connections within their community bring knowledge and drive together. This is where the impact really shows.

What better strategy is there than when we’re all collectively working together to achieve the same mission? The work MHFA England has achieved in such a short time is incredible and will hopefully continue for a long time.

What are your favourite moments with MHFA England?

A very special moment was when I was voted ‘Most Inspirational Person’ in 2017. It captured everything I had worked so hard for; I still smile about it.

Training Jeremy Hunt’s office in MHFA when he was Secretary of State for Health was another fantastic moment. And the launch of the Youth MHFA course which I was involved in. It’s hard to pick just one moment, they’ve all been brilliant.  

Looking ahead, do you have any future goals or aspirations?

I want to continue being a National Trainer for as long as possible. I’d also like to see what else, as Instructor Members, we can do to support our community of MHFAiders® and if we could develop even more exciting opportunities from that.

Connect with us to learn more about becoming an Instructor Member