Celebrating our Mental Health First Aiders: Introducing Candice Quayle

We recently sat down with Candice Quayle, Documentation Manager at Dyer & Butler, to talk about how she’s been finding her role as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, after recently completing her training.

What made you want to become a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA)?

“I have always wanted to help people. A few years ago, I started to work on my own mental health after a really rough time, which was exacerbated by the suicide of a loved one. I found hope and recovery, giving me an entire new outlook on life and embracing living with my own conditions. I became driven to help others live more meaningful, happier lives too, by raising awareness and squashing stigma through my own experiences, whilst utilising reputable information, and resources.

“When the Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) programme came along, I couldn’t wait to join up. This gave me the extra tools and the reach to get involved even more - what better way than to do it at work, with people I engage with all of the time.”

How was your training to become a MHFA Instructor?

“It was tough, it took me out of my comfort zone massively. There was a lot of content to absorb and a huge sense of responsibility in delivering these courses. I am my own worst critic and struggle with my memory, so it was a great personal challenge, but I believed in the course. I had an amazing MHFA tutor also and the drive to share their message kept me going, and I am so pleased I did.”

What was your main takeaway from the training?

“Pushing my own limits within this training gave me a huge boost in confidence, not only within myself, but with my communication skills and in assisting people. I am still harnessing these skills today, over a year on. I made some great relationships with likeminded people during the course, and I was able to expand my knowledge of mental health in a structured environment, enabling me to help others in the most appropriate and professional way possible – and I now feel capable in doing so. It fed my passion so much that I even signed up for a psychology degree.”

What does being a MHFA involve?

“It requires attending three half day sessions of the MHFA course, during work hours. With a logo under your email signature and your name added to the MHFAider list, your contact details will be available to anyone that may feel they need to reach out for assistance or just a chat. You will have access to our new resource pool where you can gain additional information and signpost those you’ve supported. You won’t be alone; you’ll become part of a great team and be appointed a MHFA buddy to who you can decompress to or gain extra guidance from if needed.

Do you feel Dyer & Butler has supported you in becoming a MHFA?

“Massively. Steve Broom, Safety, Sustainability & Wellbeing Director at Dyer & Butler has been the passionate backbone of this programme and my own journey. Steve and the business have supported me with my training without hesitation and have always allowed me enough space within my working calendar to facilitate my MHFA work, as well as my instructor training and upskill.

“We are building a great culture within Dyer & Butler where encouraging conversations and looking out for each other is becoming a pinnacle part of our daily lives at work.”

We are proud to have over 650 Mental Health First Aiders across M Group Services and its operating businesses.