Why this matters now more than ever

Mental health problems and stress are becoming increasingly common in the workplace. People are feeling overwhelmed, unable to work effectively, needing time off sick, or quietly leaving their roles altogether.

This has a direct impact on businesses — from costly recruitment and high staff turnover to reduced productivity. There is still a culture of silence around mental health and stress in the workplace. According to the attitudes to mental illness report (2023) by Mind, we have seen an increase in stigma since 2019.

When teams feel like their mental health is not supported at work, they may feel isolated, disconnected, under-valued, and unable to get any enjoyment from work.

When employees don’t feel their mental health is taken seriously, it leads to disconnection, isolation, low morale and a lack of enjoyment in work.

And with so many organisations facing structural changes and economic pressures, staff are feeling more uncertain, anxious and demotivated than ever.

This is where we can help…

Introducing: Mental Health Peer Support Open Access Course

This two-day online training course empowers you or your team members to become Mental Health Peer Supporters. These are trusted, approachable points of contact who help create a culture of openness, empathy, and early intervention. You’ll gain the confidence and tools to recognise when someone is struggling, respond supportively, and signpost to appropriate help.

At Mind in Mid Herts, we know the value of lived experience. Our Mental Health Peer Support course helps your organisation build a supportive, resilient and connected workplace culture — one where mental health is prioritised and stigma is challenged.

This evidence-informed course provides your team with the skills, knowledge and confidence to offer meaningful support to colleagues who may be struggling with their mental health.

Course objectives:

• Gain an in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that affect wellbeing
• Be able to spot signs of emotional distress and poor mental health
• Develop the confidence to step in and offer appropriate support
• Understand the responsibilities and boundaries of peer support
• Reflect on the skills and qualities needed to support others
• Learn how to safeguard your own wellbeing
• Know where to signpost others for local and national mental health support

Who is it For?

This course has been designed for:

• Employees
• Line managers
• Volunteers
• Frontline staff
• Community leaders
• Anyone who wants to confidently support the mental health and wellbeing of others in their workplace or organisation

This course is open to individuals through public enrolment, as well as to organisations. Learning alongside others from different sectors adds valuable perspective and insight.

Why invest in Peer Support?

Creating a culture where people feel heard, supported and empowered to speak openly about their mental health can have far-reaching benefits, including:

• Improved staff wellbeing
• Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism
• Stronger team cohesion and communication
• A more inclusive and compassionate workplace culture
• Lower staff turnover and recruitment costs

Course Features:

Duration: 2-day course

Delivery: Online (live sessions)

Group Size: Up to 16 delegates to encourage connection and participation

Learning Style: Interactive and practical, using real-life scenarios, group discussions, and case studies

Facilitated By: Mental health practitioners from Mind in Mid Herts, with deep experience delivering this programme in workplaces and communities

Local Insight: Rooted in the real needs of our community and local businesses with a understanding of local support and signposting.

Real-World Ready: Designed to tackle real issues like workplace stress, burnout, and isolation with tools that can be used immediately.

Certification & Materials

You will receive:

• A certificate of completion
• A comprehensive handbook that will guide the learning of peer supporters and their work
• An enamel pin badge and digital pack which includes posters and email banners

This course goes beyond awareness. It builds a network of peer supporters equipped to improve wellbeing in workplaces and our communities.

FAQS

What makes Mind in Mid Herts peer support open courses stand out? 

Here at Mind in Mid Herts, we’re a team of mental health practitioners and experts, and many of us have lived experience perspectives to bring to the table. Having trainers who are happy to talk about these experiences makes it easier for people to approach us with tough topics and questions. We’re always happy to help! 

We reinvest all our income into our charitable work. So, by working with us, your organisation becomes an important part of supporting our mission to improve mental health for the people in your community across Hertfordshire. 

We’re certified “Enhanced” for workplace wellbeing in 2025. This means that we meet the national Mind framework for mental health training. 

How do I know my peer support programme has been successful? 

Each organisation will measure the success of their peer support programme differently and it is important to consider this during the planning process. Some organisations don’t want to receive any feedback, some measure how many conversations their having and/or the general topics covered (e.g. stress, redundancy, work-life balance). It can be helpful to consider what the aim of your peer support programme is when deciding if/how to monitor its success. 

What are the biggest blockers to creating a successful peer support programme? 

When times are challenging and budgets are low, it can be tricky getting buy-in from senior managers. It’s important to remember that an investment in staff wellbeing is an investment in the business – for every £1 invested in mental health support, UK businesses could see a return of up to £5 in improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and lower turnover* – it’s statistics like these that will help get senior managers on board! Find more useful statistics in our webinar. 

What other challenges might peer supporters face? 

We’ve found that lots of peer supporters find it challenging to create and keep boundaries. That’s why we cover this topic in detail during our peer support training in order to help keep your peer supporters safe and healthy. It is also important as an organisation to consider what boundaries might look like during the planning process. 

*according to research by Delloitte 

Ready to build a more supportive workplace?

Invest in your people. Create a culture that values openness, empathy and mental health awareness.

Enrol Today: How it Works

Simply add your course to the basket (at the top of this page) and upon checkout you’ll receive an email from a member of our friendly training team within three working days.