Mental Health Awareness Week: Why Every Workplace Needs Mental Health First Aiders

 

Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder that mental wellbeing deserves the same level of care, attention, and support as physical health – especially in the workplace. At Spacemade, we believe that creating supportive, people-first work environments is essential for helping teams thrive.

As a coworking and private office space company, community sits at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we spoke to Clare Delaney, Spacemade’s Operations Manager and trained Mental Health First Aider (MHFA), about what mental health support at work really looks like, how businesses can create psychologically safe workplaces, and the small daily actions that make a meaningful difference.

Clare Delaney has been part of the Spacemade journey for six years. Starting as a Community Manager at Park House, Clare progressed through the community team before moving into Head Office, where she now helps shape strategy, systems, training materials, and operational support across the business.

But alongside her operational role, Clare also serves as one of Spacemade’s Mental Health First Aiders.

“I grew up understanding a lot about mental ill health, specifically neurodivergence, and it’s something that’s really close to my heart,” Clare explains.

Her passion for mental health awareness started early. Clare’s mother worked as a Mental Health Nurse before becoming a Psychotherapist, which gave Clare a deep understanding of mental wellbeing and the importance of support systems from a young age. 

What Is a Mental Health First Aider?

A Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) is trained to recognise the signs of poor mental health, provide initial support, and help guide someone toward professional help when needed.

Importantly, MHFA’s are not therapists or medical professionals.

“We’re there to listen fundamentally,” Clare says. “We’re not medically trained and we’re not there to diagnose or offer therapy. But we’re a great landing place to get things off your chest.”

Mental Health First Aiders can:

• Offer a safe, confidential space to talk
• Listen without judgement
• Provide practical self-care advice
• Encourage someone to seek professional support
• Signpost helpful resources and services
• Recognise when urgent escalation is needed

What they don’t do is diagnose mental health conditions or replace professional care.

Why Mental Health Support at Work Matters

Mental health in the workplace has become one of the biggest conversations in modern business – and for good reason.

According to Clare, companies should prioritise mental health support in the same way they prioritise physical first aid.

“Every person has mental health, and at some point in our lives we will struggle with our mental health,” she says.

Workplaces are where many of us spend the majority of our time. In many cases, colleagues see more of each other than friends or family do. This means businesses have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to create environments where people feel supported.

Having trained Mental Health First Aiders within a company can:

• Reduce stigma around mental health conversations
• Help identify early warning signs
• Encourage employees to seek help sooner
• Support managers navigating difficult conversations
• Build stronger, more empathetic workplace cultures
• Improve employee wellbeing and retention

For coworking environments and flexible office spaces like Spacemade, community wellbeing is especially important. Shared workspaces thrive when people feel safe, connected, and supported.

The Early Signs Someone May Be Struggling at Work

One of the most valuable aspects of mental health awareness training is learning how to spot changes in behaviour.

Clare highlights several common early warning signs:

• Disengagement from work or team interactions
• Fatigue or low energy
• Lack of concentration
• Reduced patience
• Noticeable personality changes
• Withdrawal from social interactions

“If you spot any of this happen more and more often in colleagues who were engaged, energetic and calm beforehand, I would take this as a sign that someone is struggling,” Clare explains.

Recognising these signs early can make a huge difference in helping someone feel supported before things escalate.

How to Support a Colleague Struggling With Their Mental Health

One of the biggest concerns people have is saying the wrong thing.

Clare’s advice is refreshingly simple:

“Treat them as you would a friend.”

You don’t need perfect wording or professional expertise to check in with someone. Often, a casual and compassionate conversation can be the first step toward meaningful support.

For example:

“Mate, hope you don’t mind me saying this, but you seem a bit down. Is everything ok? Do you want to go for a walk at lunch and catch up?”

If they don’t want to talk, that’s okay too.

By reaching out, you’ve already shown them that someone notices, cares, and is available when they’re ready.

What to Say – and Avoid – When Someone Opens Up

When someone shares their mental health struggles, the most important thing you can do is listen with empathy.

Clare recommends staying neutral and supportive while avoiding:

• Offering amateur diagnoses
• Minimising their feelings
• Comparing experiences
• Being overly pushy about treatment
• Turning the conversation into gossip

“Just opening up and talking to you is a great sign,” she says.

Confidentiality is also critical. Mental Health First Aiders are expected to keep conversations private unless there is a concern for someone’s safety.

What Happens During a Mental Health Crisis?

Some situations require immediate professional support.

According to Clare, urgent escalation is necessary if someone:

• Appears to be a danger to themselves or others
• Is behaving violently
• Appears delusional or disconnected from reality
• Talks about self-harm or suicide

In emergencies, the advice is clear:

“Always call 999.”

If safe to do so:

• Stay with the person
• Keep them calm and focused
• Offer water and somewhere comfortable to sit
• Monitor breathing and physical distress
• Reduce crowds or onlookers
• Wait with them until professional help arrives

Preventing Burnout in High-Pressure Work Environments

Burnout has become increasingly common in modern workplaces, especially in high-pressure roles where long hours and constant availability are often normalised.

Clare believes boundaries are essential.

“Don’t take on more than you can feasibly do,” she says. “You should feel comfortable flagging with your line manager when you’re overworked.”

Her advice for protecting mental wellbeing at work includes:

• Taking lunch breaks consistently
• Leaving work on time where possible
• Avoiding taking work stress home
• Building strong workplace relationships
• Asking for help when overwhelmed
• Maintaining healthy boundaries

Even small daily habits can have a major impact over time.

Mental Health Resources and Support Tools

When someone needs additional support, Mental Health First Aiders can help direct them toward useful resources.

At Spacemade, the team also uses Hospitality Action, which provides access to professional support hotlines.

Clare also recommends several wellbeing tools and apps:

• Sorted: Mental Health — supported by Mind
• Daylio Journal — useful for tracking moods and emotions
• Calm — ideal for meditation and mindfulness

Outside of apps, Clare is a strong advocate for movement and fresh air.

“It really does you so much good to get out, take a big deep breath and be around nature,” she says.

Other helpful wellbeing activities include:

• Yoga or Pilates
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Paint-by-number kits
• Listening to podcasts
• Walking outdoors
• Spending time with loved ones

The key is finding activities that calm the nervous system and redirect focus away from stress triggers.

 

Building a Workplace Culture That Supports Mental Health

Creating mentally healthy workplaces goes beyond simply appointing Mental Health First Aiders.

According to Clare, true support comes from company culture.

“Be proactive in setting policies that will support people who are struggling,” she says.

Businesses can create safer, healthier workplace cultures by:

• Encouraging open conversations about mental health
• Supporting work-life balance
• Training managers in empathetic leadership
• Implementing clear wellbeing policies
• Challenging stigma and misinformation
• Providing accessible support resources
• Leading by example from senior leadership

For coworking companies and flexible workspace providers, community culture can play a powerful role in helping people feel connected and less isolated.

Challenging Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace

Despite growing awareness, stigma around mental health still exists.

“So many people still think that this is just something silly that people put on or use as an excuse,” Clare says.

Challenging stigma starts with normalising conversations.

That means:

• Talking openly about mental wellbeing
• Avoiding judgemental language
• Supporting colleagues without assumptions
• Educating teams about mental health conditions
• Encouraging empathy and understanding

Most importantly, businesses must create environments where asking for help feels safe – not risky.

Why Mental Health Awareness Week Matters

Mental Health Awareness Week is more than a campaign. It’s an opportunity for businesses to reflect on how they support the people behind the work.

At Spacemade, we believe productive workplaces are built on human connection, trust, and support. Whether through Mental Health First Aiders, community-focused workspaces, or simply encouraging better conversations, creating healthier workplaces benefits everyone.

Because ultimately, mental health is not separate from work — it’s part of every workplace, every team, and every person.