Mental health first aid training expands to support workplaces and laypeople

New training initiatives are emerging to provide mental health first aid to laypeople and businesses, aiming to reduce stigma and facilitate faster access to professional support. These programs focus on early intervention rather than diagnosis or therapy, teaching participants how to listen actively and encourage those in crisis to seek professional help.

A prominent example is the Swiss Ensa model, developed by Pro Mente Sana. Based on a concept originating in Australia, the Ensa program has been active in Switzerland since 2018. The training typically involves twelve hours of instruction, available both in-person and online, and can be integrated into corporate professional development.

The need for such training is underscored by a PwC survey in Austria, which found that 63 percent of employees reported increased psychological strain. In addition to standardized courses, peer counseling models are also gaining traction, such as initiatives at the Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich designed to support young people through peer-to-peer engagement.