Mental Health First Aid

My Plan for Watford - Dean Russell MP

One of my most significant manifesto pledges was a commitment to train 1000 local people in mental health first aid awareness, as part of my campaign to transform mental wellbeing in Watford.

Being run In partnership with the Watford & West Herts Chamber of Commerce, the project is part of my mission to make Watford a wellbeing town. Watford-based Camelot, the operator of The National Lottery has generously funded the initiative, having provided £30,000 for the project.

This Watford project will provide mental health first aid training to local businesses, schools and community groups. People can register their interest through the Watford & West Herts Chamber of Commerce, here: https://watfordchamber.co.uk/mental-health-first-aid-awareness-training/

There is a fee of £80 per participant (an almost 75% reduction than signing up for the course elsewhere). However, for students, small businesses and people from lower incomes, that fee will be waived. All participants must be a resident or affiliated to the Watford constituency to take part.

I am delighted to run this project with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and so many brilliant local people – not to mention Camelot. Transforming the mental health of our town is a personal priority of mine. I want mental health to be seen in the same way as physical health, and to encourage people to talk about how they are feeling.

News

Man Made holds launch event in Watford

Man Made is a unique weekly support group dedicated to men’s mental health, and recently launched in Watford with the support of local MP Dean Russell. Man Made is a men's mental health support group providing a safe and non-judgmental space for men to openly discuss mental health struggles.

New ‘Charter’ to help prevent workplace suicide

As part of his ongoing campaign for better mental health provision in the workplace, Dean Russell MP has teamed up with the Baton of Hope to raise awareness around suicide prevention. Sadly, 115 people die by suicide in the UK every week, with 1 in 5 having suicidal thoughts.

Prime Minister's Question on Mental Health and Baton of Hope

I was pleased to ask the Prime Minister a question today during PMQ's. I spoke about the importance of Mental Health and Physical Health receiving parity which is of huge importance, This afternoon, I am hosting 'The Baton of Hope' coming to Parliament and the Prime Minister asked colleagues, acros

My Whole Self Day

My Whole Self is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England’s campaign for workplace culture change, which culminates on 'My Whole Self Day'. This year's event falls on the 14th March.

Dean Russell MP hosts roundtable in partnership with the Prince’s Trust

Watford's MP teamed up with The Prince’s Trust to host a roundtable to discuss “How can boosting young people’s confidence and hope in the future benefit both society and the economy?” The invite-only event was attended by MPs, young people, employers, and the third sector.

Boxing clubs and gyms are good for mental health

Dean spoke during an adjournment debate about the good that boxing clubs do for the people who visit them. He spoke about how they not only tackle challenges in society and help with mental health, but also how they can often give people a career and an opportunity.