The YANA Army has grown substantially this summer with the latest batches of trainees from YANA Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses. In recent weeks, the number of qualified mental health first aiders in our Army – and into rural businesses around the region – has risen to an impressive total of 140.
We enjoyed a record number of applications for the recent courses. Attendees came from a wide range of businesses, local ‘grass roots’ groups and community organisations across our region. These included Diana Patrick and Rebecca Whitefield from from Rural Coffee Caravan , Cynthia Oxford from H L Hutchinsons , NFU Mutual, Norfolk Police, Ashtons Legal and The Morley Agricultural Foundation.
Investing donations in MHFA
Thanks to the efforts of our many supporters and fundraisers, we are able to invest in mental health first aid. We are particularly grateful to Breckland Council for their determination to invest in mental health awareness and support for training as part of their aim to have 250 new Mental Health First Aiders and Community Mental Health Champions in their region of Norfolk.
Breckland council leader, Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen commented: “I thank the YANA team for the great work their team are doing. The fantastic work by YANA and the new mental health champions will really help make a long lasting difference within our rural communities.”
Scaling up and reaching out
Our aim is for YANA MHFA training to be given to 250 people from East Anglia and Worcestershire farming and other rural businesses over a two-year period. With our latest trainees to complete their courses we are well on our way to that target. And may even exceed it.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in training details then take a look at how to apply for a place on the next YANA MHFA training course. Or you can email admin@yanahelp.org with your name and contact details to be informed when the next courses take place.