Free Mental Health Awareness training for Essex Employers Supporting Routine and Manual Workers
Essex Working Well, commissioned by Essex County Council, is expanding its support for local businesses thanks to additional funding—focusing on workers in routine and manual occupations who are less likely to access physical and mental health support.
As part of this enhanced offer, we are inviting employers to take advantage of fully funded Mental Health Awareness training for their workforce.
Supporting Those Who Need It Most
We know that employees in routine and manual roles often face unique challenges when it comes to health and wellbeing. Demanding physical work, shift patterns, and limited time or opportunity to seek support can all contribute to poorer outcomes—particularly around mental health.
This new initiative aims to break down those barriers by bringing practical, accessible training directly to workplaces.
What the Training Offers
The MHFA England 4-hour Mental Health Awareness course provides a strong foundation for understanding and supporting mental wellbeing at work.
Participants will learn:
- What mental health is and how it affects us all
- Risk factors and protective factors for poor mental health
- Common signs and symptoms of poor mental health
- How to have supportive, evidence-based conversations with colleagues
- The importance of self-care and looking after their own wellbeing
This short but impactful course helps create more confident, informed teams who can look out for one another and contribute to a healthier workplace culture.
Why It Matters for Employers
By offering this training to your staff, you can:
- Promote a more open and supportive work environment
- Improve awareness and early intervention around mental health
- Help reduce stigma and encourage conversations
- Support employee wellbeing, resilience, and productivity
Investing in your workforce’s mental health isn’t just the right thing to do—it benefits your organisation too.
Additional Support: Toolbox Talks
Alongside the Mental Health Awareness training, employers can also access free face-to-face Toolbox Talks designed to engage staff in practical, accessible ways. These sessions include Men’s Mental Health, a self-care toolkit, and smoking cessation support, helping to address key health challenges and promote overall wellbeing in the workplace. Employers can also take advantage of free NHS Health Checks and SiSU digital health checks, offering staff a convenient way to better understand and manage their physical health.
Get Involved
This training is completely free for eligible employers in Essex working with routine and manual staff, but places are limited.
To find out more or express your interest, please contact:
📧 essex.workingwell@nhs.net
Subject line: FREE MHA TRAINING FOR MY STAFF
Essex Working Well is committed to creating healthier workplaces across the county—ensuring that everyone, regardless of their role, has access to the support they need to thrive.
Published: 26 June 2026
