Successful Essex businessman launches next round of first aid training courses

20 Aug Successful Essex businessman launches next round of first aid training courses

After launching a successful two-day mental health first aid training course earlier this year, Russell Stilwell, Founder and Managing Director of the RSE Brand, will be offering another two-day course on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 September. Mental ill health is a growing issue amongst the younger generation, affecting thousands of children and young people across Essex. As an award winning mechanical and electrical specialist, mental health champion, father of two and employer of young people, Russell is determined to positively change this growing issue.

September’s training course will take place in Essex for people who work with or support young people. The courses will take place at RSE’s office in Basildon across two days, costing £195 per person, with a capacity of 12 spaces available.

From his own life/business experiences and training, Russell understands the devastating impact poor mental health can have on people of any age but is currently focused on younger generation due to many unacceptable statistics:

50% of mental health issues are established by the age of 14 and 75% by age 24.

12.8% of young people aged 5-19 meet clinical criteria for a mental health disorder.

Yet only 25% of young people with a diagnosable mental health issue get access to the care and treatment they need. Ten years is the average delay between a young person first showing symptoms of ill health and getting help.

Determined to proactively instigate change, having battled ill mental health himself, Russell became a Youth course Mental Health First Aid Instructor with MHFA England after undergoing six weeks of training. Russell gained an internationally recognised qualification with MHFA England, enabling him to train others who work with and support young people.

Aimed at anyone who works with, lives with or supports young people between the ages of 8 and 18, these training courses are ideal for teachers and teaching assistants, parents, sports coaches and mentors for clubs including Brownies, Scouts and Guides. The course will be led by Russell and David Whiting (MHFA Associate) and attendees will learn a range of skills, including how to spot the first signs of a mental health issue within a young person, whilst building confidence and equipping them with the tools to help speed up a young person’s recovery and prevent a mental health issue from escalating.

The course will also provide the information and skills for attendees to look after their own mental health enabling them to set an example for young people moving forward.

By providing the tools to have conversations around mental health, Russell aims to assist society by empowering attendees to create a mentally healthy, supportive environment in their family, school, peer group or community.

Russell comments: “Mental health is very important to me. As a parent, football coach, employer and Founder of Constructionwise, I spend a lot of time around young people. I can understand the stresses and mental health issues that plague a lot of young people today as I have previously felt them myself. Young adults growing up today normally don’t get taught how to look after their mental health. I am pleased to be able to help others by offering my expertise in mental health first aid training. By learning how to look after your mental health, you can not only help yourself but the others around you.”

As part of Russell’s commitment to supporting young people, he is donating 5% from his MHFA revenue to Constructionwise, an educational initiative he co-founded which develops practical, emotional and social skills to transform the way in which young people learn and develop. Constructionwise focuses on proactively signposting the construction industry career options in order to have a positive impact on construction industry skills shortages, confidence and mental wellbeing for future generations. This already has the backing of local government/councils, a number of local schools and training organisations.

To receive Mental Health England First Aid training from Russell Stilwell and David Whiting, please call 01268 544844