Eighteen people have been trained to be Mental Health First Aid Champions, to MHFA Website standards at Number 22 Community Hub in Coalville over the last two Sundays.

THINK FC is delivering a project in Coalville as part of Futures, European Social Fund and Skills Funding Agency project, and participants were able to access the course - which normally costs £200 per participant - for free.

Participants have also accessed other courses including Youth Mental Health First Aid and First Aid.

Number 22 are already providing a friendly space for people to come to, have a cup of tea and a natter.

They are a disability friendly venue and regularly have people volunteering.

The impact of the Coronavirus has made the work they do even more important and they have worked hard to make Number 22 a safe as well as welcoming place.

THINK FC say: "We all have mental health. We are living in times of both growing awareness of and challenges to our mental health.

"Better awareness of mental health is good for everyone and recognising this is good for society."

Chris Rollings, who has been a mental health trainer for over three years, ran the course and said: "The venue was second to none – we were able to physically distance and still run a successful course where people felt connected.

"The staff there provided lunch too and the atmosphere was great, looking forward to making return visits!".

Sophie, one of the participants, commented: "The mental health first aid course is one of the very best courses I have ever attended as it gave me better insight and understanding of a wide number of mental health issues.

"It gave us valuable knowledge of where and who to contact for help and support if anyone is struggling and also how to identify the signs and symptoms that someone may be in need of help and support".

Everyone who completed the course received:

•A certificate of attendance to say they are an MHFA Champion

•A manual to refer to

•A quick reference card for the Mental Health First Aid action plan

•A workbook including a helpful toolkit to support own mental health

As a part of the project those participating also received TH!NKing tools including desk planners and the first edition of a new journal that accompany the programme. Participants are also being supported to start their own enterprises and projects which range from an LGBQT group in Coalville to a bakery business.

Sophie and 15 others will also be undertaking the two day, more in depth, Youth Mental Health First Aiders course and a First Aid course.

Mandie – who runs Number 22 with Gary and Griogair said: "I gained a wider understanding and tools available.

"I didn't realise there's as much help. Years ago it was taboo now it's good to talk and that's what Number 22 are about"

"We are looking to use Number 22 to support others to set up their own projects and enterprises and we are hoping to have an area within Number 22 where people can do this.

"We are set up for training and can have up to 16 people physically distanced using the space, we can also provide lunches and of course always a chat over a cuppa!"

The final word goes to Victoria, another course participant: "The mental health first aid course was an eye opener for me.

"It really helped me see mental health from others perspectives and gave me an insight into how I could effectively listen to people and engage in helpful conversations."