A RECRUITMENT firm is calling on employers to develop valuable mental health first aid skills.

Talent HR and Recruitment, in Alderley Road, is now offering mental health first aid training to businesses in the area, with an instructor approved by MHFA England, the national training organisation.

Katie Bancroft, managing director of Talent, said: “It’s clear that employers still have some way to go in addressing mental health in the workplace.

“It’s also clear that line managers are ready and willing to learn more about this important subject so that they can properly support their teams.

“The Mental Health First Aid course is a valuable tool for employers to get their line managers up to speed on this subject so they are confident in dealing with any problems their staff may have.”

Mental health issues such as stress, depression and anxiety account for almost 70 million days off sick per year.

Talent’s course will help firms understand depression, suicidal crisis, anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders, self harm, psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The firm has courses scheduled for July, August and September across Cheshire and Manchester, or can deliver on-site training to staff.

For more information or to make a booking, email Katie on katie@talenthr.co.uk or call 01625 402118.