Mental Health First Aid at Aquarena

Staff at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre recently completed training in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) funded by the Belgravia Foundation.

The MHFA course teaches participants to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, how to provide initial help, where and how to get professional help, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.

Belgravia Leisure Centre Manager, Aylie Spence, knew this training for her staff was important and that mental wellbeing is a priority within Manningham Council’s Healthy City Plan. Aylie says “It is fantastic for the staff at Aquarena to be well positioned to support mental wellbeing and help make a difference.”

Aquarena sees approximately 750, 000 visits annually and now can provide greater support to all visitors and members who may require assistance while on site.

Aquarena, as a venue, will have a qualified MHFA staff member on site during all opening hours and is understood to be the first leisure centre nationally to have this this type of coverage. The Belgravia Foundation are very proud of the staff at Aquarena supporting the needs of the local community.